BC @ Winnipeg.

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

where can you watch it again cfl+ says its no longer available for me

YouTube Waders27

[theaardvark]

I think Bailey makes the roster due to being a ratio advantage as a global player. He only has to beat out an ST Canadian player. We're also not deep at DE unless they flip the ratio somewhere to add someone like Dixon as a DI. We also traded to move up in the draft to acquire him, so there is that too.

The MCI question is valid after Daniels was added to the equation. There may not be room for all 3 initially so there is some doubt on what they do to start the season.

The injuries to starters is a concern and they may choose to not dress them as precaution. Until I hear otherwise I think all will be ready for game one and none of that group needs reps this week.

DD73 and MCI25 could both make the AR at the expense of one of the NAT LB corps... MCI is a ST demon, not sure if DD is yet, we'll see.  But that extra value can make the difference.

[Blue In BC]

DD73 and MCI25 could both make the AR at the expense of one of the NAT LB corps... MCI is a ST demon, not sure if DD is yet, we'll see.  But that extra value can make the difference.

We only have 3 Canadian LB's from 2025 since Novak is injured so I don't think that's an issue. IMO it falls down to a call between MCI and Peterson for in game injury insurance.

I like Peterson and can just as easily see a role for all 3. However, if MCI has moved up the list on the depth chart at RB, then that's where a line could get drawn.

Peterson had more touches last week and was the least productive of the 2.

I'd like to see Daniels get at least one chance as a receiver to plant the seed to defences that he'll be a threat. Having a FB or TE that sees the ball twice in a season doesn't do that.

[Tecno]

MBT would suggest total recruiting failure / surrender by the organization.

If Zach gets season-ended I think MBT would be the first guy on the phone.  Elgersma isn't going to take us to the promised land in '26!!

Or we line up some crazy '19-style trade.  I would give my left nut to get Powell in that situation.

[Tecno]

Let's also remember that guys often look like world-beaters in PS games and then still get cut.  So many examples.  I agree with BinBC that the roster is probably pretty set already.

It doesn't mean there's no point, though.  If you excel in these PS games as a rookie IMP, you're likely to get a callback EOY at roster expansion time and next TC.

[Blue In BC]

Today is the last practice with a walk thru tomorrow. There are going to be many players that won't see a snap on Friday. The veterans will play longer than in the 1st game. I don't know if the depth chart will change from last week, per se. I am wondering whether some of the vets that didn't play last week will see at least a series this week.

Because it's a home game I think everyone on the roster will be listed. Final roster gets declared after the weekend but there will be some paper shuffles setting the PR early and as the 1st regular season approaches.

[theaardvark]

If Zach gets season-ended I think MBT would be the first guy on the phone.  Elgersma isn't going to take us to the promised land in '26!!

Or we line up some crazy '19-style trade.  I would give my left nut to get Powell in that situation.

By the time the season starts, we will know what we have in Perkins.  I feel sure he is going to have a much better game PS2.  I think he will ease our fears about the QB2 situation, and give Elgersma the time he needs to get the game "slowed down".

I'm happy with the QB room right now.  If we do lose Zach to injury, I'm not adverse to picking up an MBT type player, but if they are out there, there is a reason.  He'd be QB2 at best in my books.

[Waffler]

Demski looks close to ready. Not practicing yet but helping all over the field. Probably starts the season opener.

The way Vaval has his leg taped it appears hamstring and is probably a few weeks away.

Perkins can run! His passing is decent and I would say improved from day one. He's not that far behind Elgersma now.

Predicting right now Tim White is an allstar. Zach's first look always and willing to throw it even he is doubled. They are having good success. Wilson is being Wilson and getting Demski back gives us a strong three I'd say comparable to when we had Lawler, Schoen and Demski.

Dixon will be here. He seems the best rookie d-lineman we've had here in years.

Impressed with Condell too. He's an intense guy, trying different things.

Singer is with the second team but I figure they find a way to keep him around.

[Tecno]

Impressed with Condell too. He's an intense guy, trying different things.

Ya, MOS was commenting on his unceasing energy.  That's usually a positive.  Hopefully it rubs off on the guys to keep morale up in-game.

[Tecno]

By the time the season starts, we will know what we have in Perkins.  I feel sure he is going to have a much better game PS2.  I think he will ease our fears about the QB2 situation, and give Elgersma the time he needs to get the game "slowed down".

I don't know.  How many rookie IMPs were thrust into a game in their first few weeks and did well?  I can think of only one: Strev.  And only because of his heart, grit, and ability to road plow.

Even the wunderkinds like Alexander and Kelly needed at least most of a season to get up to speed.

To expect Perkins to be our #1 and win games if Zach goes 6G in week 1 is sheer hopium.  Of course, that means the key here is Zach has to be protected.  So far the OL gives us hope!

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

I don't know.  How many rookie IMPs were thrust into a game in their first few weeks and did well?  I can think of only one: Strev.  And only because of his heart, grit, and ability to road plow.

Even the wunderkinds like Alexander and Kelly needed at least most of a season to get up to speed.

To expect Perkins to be our #1 and win games if Zach goes 6G in week 1 is sheer hopium.  Of course, that means the key here is Zach has to be protected.  So far the OL gives us hope!

Imagine, Dustin Crum started 14 games during his rookie CFL season in 2023, no surprise the RedBlacks went 4 and 14 as well.

[Tecno]

Imagine, Dustin Crum started 14 games during his rookie CFL season in 2023, no surprise the RedBlacks went 4 and 14 as well.

And was promptly demoted again as soon as whoever he was with got a better alternative!  That doesn't make him a wunderkind like the 2 I mentioned.

It's like Arbuckle winning the GC.  No one cares, you still aren't starting if they have a choice.  Cody is always on this bubble, too.  Perennial best-of-the-rest.

And as for my first paragraph question, I should have been more specific: I meant who on the Bombers.  Others might strike gold with rookie winners, but we rarely do.  Which leads us back to the main point: expecting Perkins or Elgersma to win us 50% of 5 games if/when Zach gets hurt in '26 is very long odds indeed!