Short practice week. I expect to see ZC8 play at least a quarter this week. Most of the starters should be in for a period of time. TE13 get at least a quarter and Perkins the rest of the time. The also need to figure out who there SY guy is going to be.
Quote from: Pigskin on May 25, 2026, 07:33:59 PMShort practice week. I expect to see ZC8 play at least a quarter this week. Most of the starters should be in for a period of time. TE13 get at least a quarter and Perkins the rest of the time. The also need to figure out who there SY guy is going to be.
He was not happy being pulled after one series, but I guess the Bombers either really wanted to keep him healthy or really wanted to give TE as many snaps as possible.
But home game, I'd imagine seeing the starters for a little longer.
Quote from: Jesse on May 25, 2026, 08:01:09 PMHe was not happy being pulled after one series, but I guess the Bombers either really wanted to keep him healthy or really wanted to give TE as many snaps as possible.
But home game, I'd imagine seeing the starters for a little longer.
From a QB standpoint might as well tune up for the season, both rookies made the AR, maybe they can figure out who will be the SY QB, but nothing else is all that urgent. Zach also provides the best platform for evaluating all other offensive players competing for their jobs.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on May 25, 2026, 08:14:18 PMFrom a QB standpoint might as well tune up for the season, both rookies made the AR, maybe they can figure out who will be the SY QB, but nothing else is all that urgent. Zach also provides the best platform for evaluating all other offensive players competing for their jobs.
As long as they play the starting OL for as long as Collaros is in the game, then sure. It would also indicate what the starting OL will be. The other 2 QB's can play a Q each in the 2nd half or slightly longer. Neither has any CFL experience so there are trade offs on who plays how long.
I would play Zach a quarter. One for each other QB and then a 2nd Q for the one that needs more reps or evaluation.
Quote from: Blueforlife on May 25, 2026, 09:11:37 PMI would play Zach a quarter. One for each other QB and then a 2nd Q for the one that needs more reps or evaluation.
Yeah, there is no really good or bad choice as long as we can protect him. One quarter or 1 1/2 would be the limit. If his first few series go well then it could be shorter playing time.
The other 2 QB's do need some playing time. If Wilson was still here it might be a slightly different worry about experience.
Both teams will play veterans for awhile longer this week.
Quote from: Blue In BC on May 25, 2026, 09:32:40 PMYeah, there is no really good or bad choice as long as we can protect him. One quarter or 1 1/2 would be the limit. If his first few series go well then it could be shorter playing time.
The other 2 QB's do need some playing time. If Wilson was still here it might be a slightly different worry about experience.
Both teams will play veterans for awhile longer this week.
Yup just keep him upright is all we ask
Sometimes the flow of the game dictates more that set quarters
I d leave Collaros in until the offense is hitting on all cylinders/have their timing figured out at game speed. We don't want a repeat of last year when the offense looked awful to start the season off, and I know you have to evaluate new players but lets get the offense clicking before we sub out
Quote from: dd on May 25, 2026, 11:00:02 PMI d leave Collaros in until the offense is hitting on all cylinders/have their timing figured out at game speed. We don't want a repeat of last year when the offense looked awful to start the season off, and I know you have to evaluate new players but lets get the offense clicking before we sub out
Correct. No one forget that MOS explicitly said many times in the last months that he made a mistake in '25 by not tuning/practicing his starters more in TC/PS. That means a LOT more time for the desired line-up in PS2, and injury risk be darned.
They may have looked good throwing the ball just to White, but they were horribly stinky on the ground. Contrast to how SSK played: they looked like a team at labor day and first in the league.
Quote from: Pigskin on May 25, 2026, 07:33:59 PMThe also need to figure out who there SY guy is going to be.
Was there a single SY play in PS1?? I can't recall one. We had that 1-2Y from goal TD, but we did the "we never do that" thing of going under C and handing off to Brady. (And only his second effort got it over the GL.)
Does that mean we have NO SY game right now?? This is bad news. We'll never know if we were going to keep Wilson on AR as SY... maybe Wilson's MOS discussion was "am I the #2 and heir to #1 or just the perennial SY guy a la Marve?" -- and he didn't like the answer.
My gut says Elgersma is SY, as Perkins really doesn't seem the type at all. You want an old man who never really did SY as the guy? At least Elgersma has some beef/height like Stevens. And youth.
Or, is this why Thorne came back?.... I wonder... Can anyone speak to Thorne's body & ability vis a vis SY?? Zach (Perkins|Elgersma) Thorne? The #2 loser to PR?
Did Thorne return?
preseason, while it's good for Zach to get some reps, the injury risk is real and > a little rust. Let him sling a TD and take him out. His play will be determined by pass pro and run game imo. How the new OC does and finally health at receiver. He knows what he is doing.
Quote from: Tecno on May 26, 2026, 03:55:18 AMWas there a single SY play in PS1?? I can't recall one. We had that 1-2Y from goal TD, but we did the "we never do that" thing of going under C and handing off to Brady. (And only his second effort got it over the GL.)
Does that mean we have NO SY game right now?? This is bad news. We'll never know if we were going to keep Wilson on AR as SY... maybe Wilson's MOS discussion was "am I the #2 and heir to #1 or just the perennial SY guy a la Marve?" -- and he didn't like the answer.
My gut says Elgersma is SY, as Perkins really doesn't seem the type at all. You want an old man who never really did SY as the guy? At least Elgersma has some beef/height like Stevens. And youth.
Or, is this why Thorne came back?.... I wonder... Can anyone speak to Thorne's body & ability vis a vis SY?? Zach (Perkins|Elgersma) Thorne? The #2 loser to PR?
I do recall at least one short yardage sneak for Elgersma. He was in the middle of the pile alongside a Rider and they were smiling laughing at something together lol
Quote from: Blue In BC on May 26, 2026, 01:54:18 PMDid Thorne return?
MOS was specifically asked if they're bringing in a 4th QB and he said they aren't thinking about it yet. They want to see the 3 guys they have.
Quote from: Jesse on May 26, 2026, 04:18:00 PMMOS was specifically asked if they're bringing in a 4th QB and he said they aren't thinking about it yet. They want to see the 3 guys they have.
I feel like they'd get someone with experience, if an injury happens. MBT or Shea Patterson.
MBT being the best option with his 82 QB rating last season.
Quote from: peg_city on May 26, 2026, 04:26:39 PMI feel like they'd get someone with experience, if an injury happens. MBT or Shea Patterson.
MBT being the best option with his 82 QB rating last season.
Zero chance MBT. He's done. He wouldn't accept a 3rd string or PR spot. He'd want more money than an ELC. He doesn't have longevity.
MBT would suggest total recruiting failure / surrender by the organization.
Quote from: Blue In BC on May 26, 2026, 04:36:37 PMZero chance MBT. He's done. He wouldn't accept a 3rd string or PR spot. He'd want more money than an ELC. He doesn't have longevity.
MBT would suggest total recruiting failure / surrender by the organization.
Okay we are getting off track. Try to keep the conversation about the game on Friday.
Quote from: peg_city on May 26, 2026, 04:26:39 PMI feel like they'd get someone with experience, if an injury happens. MBT or Shea Patterson.
MBT being the best option with his 82 QB rating last season.
I have zero interest in that.
All I would do is wait for someone on your neg list to be ready to come north and throw them on the PR at some point.
We should see more veterans playing longer this week. I don't know what this will mean for the players brought back to the roster this week. In theory they'll get some playing time but there is less chance to make an impact if that doesn't happen until late in the game.
Once again, I'll be watching the battle at CB and DE. IMO Singer has won the battle at receiver but making the roster depends on what they decide to do with the ratio. Laval is still not practising so he might be the returner in week 1.
The QB's will make the AR by default. Whether they are listed as # 2 or # 3 is almost moot until they have to play / start.
IMO most decisions have been made at this point.
Perkins vs Elergsma, this should be a great battle to watch...
MCI does he get more looks in the backfield
D-line, does Dixon do enough to get into the conversation
Tui at C, it was a brief look in PS1...does he get longer in PS2
Singer does he continue where he left off, including his return game....
Gautkouth, Bailey and Kornelsnon, likely all three won't make the AR, will PS2 help clarify?
Will Wilson, Demski, Vaval, Ceresna etc. see any game time, are any in jeopardy of starting week 1 on the IR
Is Kramdi going to continue to get safety reps?
Does Smith play like he did in PS1 and force himself into the conversation of regular reps?
Is Kelly on the bubble??
Lot's to see IMO this Friday
Quote from: 3rdand1.5 on May 26, 2026, 05:22:55 PMPerkins vs Elergsma, this should be a great battle to watch...
MCI does he get more looks in the backfield
D-line, does Dixon do enough to get into the conversation
Tui at C, it was a brief look in PS1...does he get longer in PS2
Singer does he continue where he left off, including his return game....
Gautkouth, Bailey and Kornelsnon, likely all three won't make the AR, will PS2 help clarify?
Will Wilson, Demski, Vaval, Ceresna etc. see any game time, are any in jeopardy of starting week 1 on the IR
Is Kramdi going to continue to get safety reps?
Does Smith play like he did in PS1 and force himself into the conversation of regular reps?
Is Kelly on the bubble??
Lot's to see IMO this Friday
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.
Quote from: Blueforlife on May 26, 2026, 01:58:31 PMpreseason, while it's good for Zach to get some reps, the injury risk is real and > a little rust. Let him sling a TD and take him out. His play will be determined by pass pro and run game imo. How the new OC does and finally health at receiver. He knows what he is doing.
First game they play Calgary who beat them all 3 times last season, they'd better be ready to go if they want the season to get off on the right foot. I'd give Zach at least an entire half and rotate the contenders in with the starters to see how they fare in a semi-controlled environment without chaos on all sides.
Quote from: Blue In BC on May 26, 2026, 05:26:26 PMI 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.
Halfway through second watching of the game, have yet to spot Gatkuoth or Daniels doing anything, but have seen a lot of good things from their competitors, especially on the D-line. Maybe they'll show up in PS#2 but wouldn't surprise me if they start on the PR, no reason to rush them into action.
Quote from: Blue In BC on May 26, 2026, 01:54:18 PMDid Thorne return?
Don't think so, he's no longer suspended but no longer listed on the roster either.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on May 26, 2026, 05:33:16 PMFirst game they play Calgary who beat them all 3 times last season, they'd better be ready to go if they want the season to get off on the right foot. I'd give Zach at least an entire half and rotate the contenders in with the starters to see how they fare in a semi-controlled environment without chaos on all sides.
hard to say what MOS does, likely closer to what you suggest than I did.
a better start would be great but with all the changes I'm thinking it will take 1/4 to 1/2 a season to be filling on all cylinders, hope I'm wrong
Quote from: Blueforlife on May 26, 2026, 06:29:42 PMhard to say what MOS does, likely closer to what you suggest than I did.
a better start would be great but with all the changes I'm thinking it will take 1/4 to 1/2 a season to be filling on all cylinders, hope I'm wrong
If it takes a 1/2 season for the Bombers to start firing on all cylinders, we probably don't make the playoffs.
Quote from: Pigskin on May 26, 2026, 06:34:49 PMIf it takes a 1/2 season for the Bombers to start firing on all cylinders, we probably don't make the playoffs.
Disagree, but wouldn't be ideal. I see the OL taking time to gel. I see us as a playoff team. While it's always best to have your engine in perfect order you can usually make it home as long as it's not flashing (check eng. light). Season usually heats up at labour day.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on May 26, 2026, 05:44:33 PMHalfway through second watching of the game, have yet to spot Gatkuoth or Daniels doing anything, but have seen a lot of good things from their competitors, especially on the D-line. Maybe they'll show up in PS#2 but wouldn't surprise me if they start on the PR, no reason to rush them into action.
where can you watch it again cfl+ says its no longer available for me
Quote from: Pigskin on May 26, 2026, 06:34:49 PMIf it takes a 1/2 season for the Bombers to start firing on all cylinders, we probably don't make the playoffs.
yeah no the past couple years have been slow starts and every year we get closer and closer to missing the dance entirely. Absolutely no excuse to take half a season to perform at an optimal rate.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on May 26, 2026, 05:44:33 PMHalfway through second watching of the game, have yet to spot Gatkuoth or Daniels doing anything, but have seen a lot of good things from their competitors, especially on the D-line. Maybe they'll show up in PS#2 but wouldn't surprise me if they start on the PR, no reason to rush them into action.
The competitors for Gatkouth are imports so that's not relative. The competition for Daniels are Canadians but then it's a question of fielding the best combination of Canadians. That could go a number of ways. I don't think he's in direct competition per se.
Quote from: 3rdand1.5 on May 26, 2026, 07:00:23 PMwhere can you watch it again cfl+ says its no longer available for me
YouTube Waders27
Quote from: Blue In BC on May 26, 2026, 05:26:26 PMI 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.
Quote from: theaardvark on May 26, 2026, 08:23:03 PMDD73 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.
Quote from: Blue In BC on May 26, 2026, 04:36:37 PMMBT 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.
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.
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.
Quote from: Tecno on May 27, 2026, 03:22:19 AMIf 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.
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.
Quote from: Waffler on May 27, 2026, 09:26:29 PMImpressed 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.
Quote from: theaardvark on May 27, 2026, 06:12:49 PMBy 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!
Quote from: Tecno on May 28, 2026, 02:07:20 AMI 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.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on May 28, 2026, 02:27:25 AMImagine, 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!
Well, that's the only reason you bring in a 29 year old rookie who's had playing time in the NFL and UFL. So he can be a bandaid.
And like has been said over and over, if Zach is done, so is our season. Air lifting a retread isn't saving our season.
Quote from: Tecno on May 28, 2026, 02:07:20 AMI 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!
If we were able to win games last year with the stats Strev posted, we can win this year with Perkins too.
But that requires the D being on top of their game.
Quote from: BomberFan73 on May 28, 2026, 11:36:23 AMIf we were able to win games last year with the stats Strev posted, we can win this year with Perkins too.
But that requires the D being on top of their game.
Winning with Streveler in a Hogan O vs. winning with Perkins in a Condell O are pretty different likelihoods. I think a new OC is going to make winning easier.
And with the FA signings, this team is going to be considerably better all around.
Bet the Bombers for the GC before the odds change.
Quote from: BomberFan73 on May 28, 2026, 11:36:23 AMIf we were able to win games last year with the stats Strev posted, we can win this year with Perkins too.
But that requires the D being on top of their game.
Also helps if they're playing against weak sisters, not looking like many this season, but time will tell.