Official Game Day Thread - Winnipeg at Calgary, August 9, 2025

[BBRT]

Official: Vernon Adams Jr. returns for Calgary Stampeders to face Winnipeg
By 3Down Staff -August 8, 2025

The Calgary Stampeders will officially have Vernon Adams Jr. back in the starting lineup when the team hosts the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on Saturday night.

The 32-year-old passer missed Calgary's loss to the Redblacks last week due to a head injury he suffered the previous week against Montreal. The veteran has thrown for 1,913 yards, nine touchdowns, and six interceptions over seven games so far this season, posting a 5-2 record as a starter.

The five-foot-eleven, 190-pound target joined the Stampeders this offseason via trade from the B.C. Lions. He led the team to two wins over the Blue Bombers earlier this season, throwing for a combined five touchdowns and one interception in those outings.

The Stampeders may also have Canadian receiver Jalen Philpot back in the lineup, though he's listed as a game-time decision. The veteran target missed last week's game due to a hamstring injury and he had varied participation in practice this week as he was limited on day one, a non-participant on day two, and a full participant on day three.

Canadian receiver Clark Barnes will officially return to the lineup after missing a month due to an ankle injury. He scored a touchdown in his most recent game — a 37-16 win for Calgary over Winnipeg in the Stampede Bowl back in Week 5.

Breakout star defensive tackle Jaylon Hutchings is dealing with a calf injury and has been listed as a game-time decision. Canadian defensive back Jackson Sombach has returned to the lineup from a hamstring injury and will be the backup to starting safety Damon Webb.

Canadian defensive back Adrian Greene and Ben Labrosse remain out due to injury, which means Godfrey Onyeka will make a second-straight start at field-side cornerback.

The Calgary Stampeders (5-3) will host the Winnipeg Blue Bombers (4-3) on Saturday, August 9 with kickoff slated for 7:00 p.m. EDT. The Blue Bombers are coming off a close win over Toronto, while Calgary got crushed by the Redblacks 31-11.

The weather forecast in Calgary calls for a high of 21 degrees and a 60 percent chance of showers. The game will be broadcast on TSN in Canada, CBS Sports Network in the United States, and CFL+ internationally. Radio listeners can tune-in on 680 CJOB in Winnipeg and 770 CHQR in Calgary.

https://3downnation.com/2025/08/08/official-vernon-adams-jr-returns-for-calgary-stampeders-to-face-winnipeg/

Calgary looks like they have their full team back. Bad news for the Big Blue as they will not be able to handle VA and the Calgary receiver sets will overwhelm the very small and not that good Bomber Secondary. The Stamps OL is solid and their DL is better than ours.

[Jesse]

Calgary looks like they have their full team back. Bad news for the Big Blue as they will not be able to handle VA and the Calgary receiver sets will overwhelm the very small and not that good Bomber Secondary. The Stamps OL is solid and their DL is better than ours.

With Alford out, the only receiver they have over 6'1" is Rhymes. Horton and Brooks are smaller than any of our DBs.

Adrian Greene still out for them which is a huge piece of their secondary.

[Pete]

Any reason why Woods couldnt have been added as DA other than Jones/ayers coming off

[gobombersgo]

Calgary looks like they have their full team back. Bad news for the Big Blue as they will not be able to handle VA and the Calgary receiver sets will overwhelm the very small and not that good Bomber Secondary. The Stamps OL is solid and their DL is better than ours.

Here are both teams' injured lists:

[TecnoGenius]

Lofton added to the 6 game?!?

It could be he's still a bit nicked PLUS Randolph is doing ok @RT.  I still think Lofton is better (esp pass pro).  Maybe Randolph is proving better at run blocK?

Hiding him on the 6G is a great idea, though.  And it's great depth for late season.

[TecnoGenius]

Seems to be the case, MOS mentioned he is practising and making good progress.  From the same article also sounds like Randolph has won the RT job over Lofton, question is who gets Stanley's job when he's done Lofton or Vanterpool?

Uh, neither?  I've never seen Lofton @ LT, but I doubt he's great.  Vant/Ran suck at LT.  I still think it's FA big-$ time for our next LT in off-season.

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

Uh, neither?  I've never seen Lofton @ LT, but I doubt he's great.  Vant/Ran suck at LT.  I still think it's FA big-$ time for our next LT in off-season.

Review your game film, Lofton played LT in place of Stan last week.

[TecnoGenius]

Review your game film, Lofton played LT in place of Stan last week.

Oops, ya, sorry.  Other than last week.

I'm pretty sure Lofton played LT only because a) Stan nicked, b) Randolph stunk there, c) Vant nicked.  I'm nearly positive Lofton is not the heir to Stan.  However, once again, it's nice to have the flexibility we currently have.

[gobombersgo]

[gobombersgo]

[gobombersgo]

[gobombersgo]

[Strevy]

Calgary looks like they have their full team back. Bad news for the Big Blue as they will not be able to handle VA and the Calgary receiver sets will overwhelm the very small and not that good Bomber Secondary. The Stamps OL is solid and their DL is better than ours.

The Bombers are going to get stomped.  Strange timing for the management to cheap out.
 Grey Cup year should have been an all in scenario.

[Blueforlife]

I remember last season like this as well. I think Woods got the start when both were healthy.
Both of them are very talented. I think Adams is a little better pass rusher and Woods is relentless at attacking the run.

Sounds like a nice combo

[Pete]

Walters/O'Shea have been in maintain mode since 2022, rather than trying to improve. You just have to look at our free agent signings to see that.
OShea in particular can be a bit egotistical in not adapting ie using designated import, keeping players that are on the down swing etc