Injuries headed into BB

[bunker]

I would have liked for Walters to go after Mike Rose as well but they chose Vaughters instead, not surprisingly there was a bidding war for Rose between a few clubs so he probably signed for a much higher price.  So perhaps Walters signed the player they wanted or perhaps he was again constrained by the budget he set out to follow.

As for Vanterpool, placing him on the 1 game IR not only protects him but also pays him as if he was playing, which should be enough to convince him to hang around for future opportunities that will open up next season.

I understand the Vanterpool decisions, and am ok with it. Logan makes no sense.
https://3downnation.com/2025/04/18/the-cfls-15-highest-paid-defensive-linemen-for-the-2025-season/
Very little difference between Rose and Vaughters salaries, 13,000-15,000 max. I think they prioritize DEs over DT's.  In some ways, it makes sense, if you are running lots of 30 fronts, and are intent on rotating canadian DTs in regularly, there is a smaller role for a DT, unless they can swing out to the end for some plays.

[Blue In BC]

I don't mind if Ayers stays on. Just get him more reps on defence. K. Wilson shouldn't play every snap. Even T.Jones should get a few plays off.

It's catch 22. The more often the defence forces 2 and out and is winning TOP, the less rotation they need. Conversely, when the opposition is winning TOP and having long drives, it creates an issue.

[theaardvark]

Just my guess about changes to this weeks roster:

1. Hallett in and Ball moved to 1 game IR or PR.

2. Makonzo in and Woodbey moved back to PR. Unfortunate but it's a ratio thing and Makonzo will back up at SAM.

3. Kramdi in and allows the changes mentioned in Item # 2

4. Kornelson in with Schemekel moved to 6 game IR.

5. Adams in due to change in ratio allowed by Item # 2.

6. Wilson in. This is where it gets interesting. Can Schoen play and who gets moved out if he does.

7. Houston in Lawson out. I think I'd prefer Vaval back to returning and Logan out, but this is another variable.

If neither Houston or an import DT are not added to the AR it's going to bring up a lot of questions.  Noting that I'd rather take out Ayers and leave Woodbey in but he's an O'Shea favourite.

Logan out over Lawson.  We need DB's more than RB's, and Vaval and Mitchell can return.

If Schoen can go, and I'd prefer him to sit if not 110%, that hobble on the 2 pt looked really bad to me, then I guess Mitchell comes out as the LIFO choice.  Wilson might be a better swap out for Wheatfall, but I think they want Wheatfall in over Mitchell right now.

[Pete]

I really doubt Schoen is in, for him not to be practicing its not something that is going to be 100% in a week.
Likely thats the only change in offence, unless Wallace is still limping,
I would bring in Peterson to help in blocking but Corcoran is another body who OShea just likes

[The Zipp]

Schoen is out as per ed tait

[Blueforlife]

Logan out over Lawson.  We need DB's more than RB's, and Vaval and Mitchell can return.

If Schoen can go, and I'd prefer him to sit if not 110%, that hobble on the 2 pt looked really bad to me, then I guess Mitchell comes out as the LIFO choice.  Wilson might be a better swap out for Wheatfall, but I think they want Wheatfall in over Mitchell right now.

Make a good point about Lawson over Logan but I also don't want Vaval doing all returns.  Mitchell could but might have the jitters, prefer not to test that Sat.
Wheat over Mitchell imo

I don't mind if Ayers stays on. Just get him more reps on defence. K. Wilson shouldn't play every snap. Even T.Jones should get a few plays off.

It's catch 22. The more often the defence forces 2 and out and is winning TOP, the less rotation they need. Conversely, when the opposition is winning TOP and having long drives, it creates an issue.

I would not take Wilson or Jones out very much unless up 2 tds

[Blue In BC]

Schoen out answers 1 question about the possible changes at receiver. Very unlikely we see someone like Echols bump Mitchell or start in front of Wilson this week. Wilson in for Schoen and whether the move receivers around is less of an issue.

Wallace was limited but Vanterpool was full today. Which is the healthiest or being considered to start? Flip a coin. Obvious ration advantage with Wallace but he might night to sit.

All of Ball, Hallett, Kramdi and Makonzo appear to be healthy. I've expressed my opinions about what I think will happen but it won't be the 1st time I'm surprised by what does happen.

Everything else falls into the decisions with ratio and what we decide to do with our DI's. That's eluded me all year so patiently waiting to see what gets posted tomorrow.

The reality is I don't care so much about who plays if we win. Lose this game and hopes of 1st or 2nd are slipping.

So just for the Jake Thomas lovers, he can start at QB if he throws for 400 yards and 5 TD's.

You saw it here first.

EDIT: Cobb out and Peterson in. Didn't see that one coming. It could suggest that Logan ( backup RB potentially ) will be moved back to PR. Otherwise, what's the point? He won't get any reps except maybe on ST's. With the changes at receiver and extra receiver might hold more value than a backup RB unless Logan if coming off.

Hard to tell what the timing of movements to and from PR mean. Result of other decisions being made throughout the course of the week? If this set of moves indicates that Logan is moving to PR why not do it at the same time?  OTOH, he could be bumped back to 1 game IR as others move to AR from 1 game IR tomorrow.

[Blueforlife]

Nice to see Peterson back.  Likely time for Brady bully ball with Peterson keeping it fresh.  I wanted to see more from Cobb but that might come later if we get hurt again.

[TecnoGenius]

Schoen out answers 1 question about the possible changes at receiver. Very unlikely we see someone like Echols bump Mitchell or start in front of Wilson this week. Wilson in for Schoen and whether the move receivers around is less of an issue.

Let's assume Pokey starts.  That would mean we have 4 natural WRs and one SB (Demski).  Since when did we have Pokey at SB?  Pokey might get destroyed playing inside.

Wheatie has shown he can do it and take the punishment, so he'll probably get SB.  And Mitchell also has shown maybe he can.  So he'll be the other SB.  That leaves Pokey wide and Clercius in his usual spot.  However, we're still putting 2 "WR" guys inside...  Can they adapt fast enough?  Can they not get injured long term?

It's really nice to have a natural beefier slot like Schoen in the line-up... Or even one of the waterbugs at slot!  But at the moment I think "best available player" mantra has to rule.

And there's no law against sending all 5 on go routes every single snap!     

[TecnoGenius]

In some ways, it makes sense, if you are running lots of 30 fronts, and are intent on rotating canadian DTs in regularly, there is a smaller role for a DT, unless they can swing out to the end for some plays.

A lot of people keep saying this, but if you look at what we're doing this season, we only use 3 man pass rush (starting with 30 front looks) once in a blue moon each game.  This is not 2024.  We have been going much more traditional 4 DL fronts, and even a lot less smoke & mirrors with LBs faking pass rush, and not too much blitzing either.

Everything has been simplified for the front 7.

[TecnoGenius]

As for Vanterpool, placing him on the 1 game IR not only protects him but also pays him as if he was playing, which should be enough to convince him to hang around for future opportunities that will open up next season.

I think most teams are loathe to start > 2 IMP OL.  I think in the CFL this is an admission that your drafting and scouting and FA are a failure.  And it really is.

However, with our extra NATs on D and RB + Demski, we can afford to start 3 IMP OL.  But I think Mafia still doesn't like to have to admit it.  That's why so much hope & time is pinned on Wallace.

But hey, no pressure big guy!

[Blue In BC]

Just my guess about changes to this weeks roster:

1. Hallett in and Ball moved to 1 game IR or PR.

2. Makonzo in and Woodbey moved back to PR. Unfortunate but it's a ratio thing and Makonzo will back up at SAM.

3. Kramdi in and allows the changes mentioned in Item # 2

4. Kornelson in with Schemekel moved to 6 game IR.

5. Adams in due to change in ratio allowed by Item # 2.

6. Wilson in. This is where it gets interesting. Can Schoen play and who gets moved out if he does.

7. Houston in Lawson out. I think I'd prefer Vaval back to returning and Logan out, but this is another variable.

If neither Houston or an import DT are not added to the AR it's going to bring up a lot of questions.  Noting that I'd rather take out Ayers and leave Woodbey in but he's an O'Shea favourite.

I'm quoting myself. I know. Just an evaluation of my predictions with a new view on things.

1. Ball must not have been as nicked as thought. He must also be the future while Hallett is the past.

2. Makonzo is healthy so what's the deal? Can't he come off his 2nd round of 6 game IR, or not until next week?

3. Well I got the Kramdi change right. But not the depth with Makonzo and Woodbey idea.

4. Kornelson was a given when he was added immediately to game AR.

5. Neither import DT added in favour of retaining both Ayers and Woodbey. Go figure.

6. Wilson was a given as well but where will everyone line up?

7. No Houston is another head scratcher. Vaval and Lawson played better last week, but still??

Several healthy players are being kept out. That suggests they've been passed on depth charts and / or performances are found lacking compared to others.

Ok. Fine. Now just go out and win. If this is the best roster we can field and we lose, it's going to get ugly on here.

[theaardvark]

I think most teams are loathe to start > 2 IMP OL.  I think in the CFL this is an admission that your drafting and scouting and FA are a failure.  And it really is.

However, with our extra NATs on D and RB + Demski, we can afford to start 3 IMP OL.  But I think Mafia still doesn't like to have to admit it.  That's why so much hope & time is pinned on Wallace.

But hey, no pressure big guy!

I think it is a factor that the best NAT Oline are going south now.  I think this year has seen the most NAT Oline landing NFL AR spots in a while.

Add to that the development of NAT QB's and "skilled positions" other than what has generally been the  3-4 Oline, 1-2 Dline and 5th receiver and one "ratio breaker" makes a difference as well, as INT Oline are cheaper and more plentiful than Nat Oline.  Remember when Muamba was able to do his "tour of the teams" and choose where he played because he was a ratio breaker?  Not as much the case today.

Drafting and developing a solid corps of Nat Oline is always a great strategy, they have long careers, don't get injured as often and can play at the same level as an Int given time to develop. 

BC going with 4 Int Oline is just mind boggling.  But when you start a Nat QB and have 2 top Nat SB's and Betts... its a luxury you can afford.

Can you imagine "Set HUT" Wylie getting to work with a 4 Int Oline?

[gordo]

I'm quoting myself. I know. Just an evaluation of my predictions with a new view on things.

1. Ball must not have been as nicked as thought. He must also be the future while Hallett is the past.

2. Makonzo is healthy so what's the deal? Can't he come off his 2nd round of 6 game IR, or not until next week?

3. Well I got the Kramdi change right. But not the depth with Makonzo and Woodbey idea.

4. Kornelson was a given when he was added immediately to game AR.

5. Neither import DT added in favour of retaining both Ayers and Woodbey. Go figure.

6. Wilson was a given as well but where will everyone line up?

7. No Houston is another head scratcher. Vaval and Lawson played better last week, but still??

Several healthy players are being kept out. That suggests they've been passed on depth charts and / or performances are found lacking compared to others.

Ok. Fine. Now just go out and win. If this is the best roster we can field and we lose, it's going to get ugly on here.

Nice article on Ball in the Free Press today. Sounds like O'shea really likes this kid and his explosiveness. Grew up a major Rider fan but lots of Bomber Ball jerseys in his family now.

Looking forward to Wilson back in. Really needed this boost at receiver and I don't think it matters where he lines up. He'll be great.

Big mistake not playing Houston. Our secondary is still a major weak spot. The guy was a difference maker when here and I think this is another case of MOS dragging his feet on making changes with his guys.

Another close game. Counting on Sergio to make the difference. He won't miss two games in a row.

[theaardvark]

Nice article on Ball in the Free Press today. Sounds like O'shea really likes this kid and his explosiveness. Grew up a major Rider fan but lots of Bomber Ball jerseys in his family now.

Looking forward to Wilson back in. Really needed this boost at receiver and I don't think it matters where he lines up. He'll be great.

Big mistake not playing Houston. Our secondary is still a major weak spot. The guy was a difference maker when here and I think this is another case of MOS dragging his feet on making changes with his guys.

Another close game. Counting on Sergio to make the difference. He won't miss two games in a row.

As I said in the gameday thread, the stadium is going to be LOUD when the D is on, and throwing a guy into the mix on a handful of practices when they can't communicate pre-snap, regardless how much of a difference maker he can be, its probably for the better.  And who would have to come out for him?

I like leaving our D backfield intact in this very specific situation.