Ryan Hunter, Cameron Judge miss practice with Toronto Argonauts
https://3downnation.com/2026/07/06/ryan-hunter-cameron-judge-miss-practice-with-toronto-argonauts/
chad can sling it - huge test for the defence. Coxie and Mital are beasts
this will be a test and the Bombers seem to have trouble with the argos...at least there is no saturday afternoon game in toronto that the Bombers have the most trouble with.
Judge looked really banged up last game. Not surprised he's out. It's a real pickle for TOR as he's their ratio buster. I wonder what their solution will be?
A Younger D actually matches up very well against a sling-first/sling-often QB. Our kryptonite is the dink & dunk. Kelly has no time for the dink & dunk.
What may be troublesome is the size of their RECs. Mital is a monster. Polk/Coxie are no shrimpkins. Ungerer is manageable. Kahmann is the wildcard, but was held to basically no stat last game.
Not scared of Hicks (RB). Though sometimes we make never-were RBs look like all-stars.
Plan around Kelly being uber-loose with the ball, and in all instances go for the INT. Just don't let them get behind you, as he loves to chuck 60Yers like they're nothing.
If there's any team we have a hope of beating, it's this one.
2 Biggest issues besides Kelly
1 is Argos dline, can we block
2. 6ft 3 receivers Coxie and Polk we've had issues with our smaller secondary guys losing one on ones. Especially Moxie , those 50/50 balls have been more like 80/20
Suffice it to say, this upcoming game is huge for the Bombers.
- Bombers are 3rd in the west after all 9 teams in the league have played 4 games.
- Bombers have scored the fewest points for in the west but lead the west in fewest points against.
- Hamilton could be in deep trouble without Bo out for a good while.
- Ottawa is seemingly going nowhere making the crossover a viable route to the playoffs for the west's 4th place team.
- The big question - Will Zach be available for the TO game? If not, will Dru be ready assuming he is the best alternative at the QB position?
All of the above - good news, bad news but the playoffs, while a long ways away - remain within reach. All is not lost.
Quote from: ModAdmin on July 07, 2026, 06:40:26 AMAll of the above - good news, bad news but the playoffs, while a long ways away - remain within reach. All is not lost.
West is super tight, EDM is a poser, and so far no one is running away with it. Gives us time to get our act together and catch up to the better early-prepared teams.
And SSK fans & org must be pooping their pants right about now, because their QB room is empty. If T.Harris gets his ankle broken (or whatever), their season is more over than HAM.
Strangely enough, we have one of the best QB rooms at the moment.
Shouldn't this be Winnipeg at Toronto? ;D
This is the official Twilight Zone game! :o
Quote from: GOLDMEMBER on July 08, 2026, 05:09:10 PMShouldn't this be Winnipeg at Toronto? ;D
This is the official Twilight Zone game! :o
I came here to say that the thread title needs to be changed! "Winnipeg @ Toronto, @ Winnipeg"
Maybe Toronto will forget its played here and forget to show up and Bombers can play themselves lol
It's sounds like 30 on Friday. Glad we sit on the west side were we get the shade. Players are going to have to hydrate for this one.
Quote from: ModAdmin on July 07, 2026, 06:40:26 AM- Bombers have scored the fewest points for in the west but lead the west in fewest points against.
We need someone to explain that while these statistics appear to support the idea that defence is good,
they actually show that the defence is bad, and Younger is a bad coach.
Bombers injury report lists Zach Collaros as Did Not Practice today. It was the Bombers only day of practice ahead of Friday vs. the Argos.
Will it be Taylor Elgersma or Dru Brown Friday? We'll find out when they release the depth chart tomorrow morning.
from DT
Quote from: The Zipp on July 08, 2026, 09:12:15 PMBombers injury report lists Zach Collaros as Did Not Practice today. It was the Bombers only day of practice ahead of Friday vs. the Argos.
Will it be Taylor Elgersma or Dru Brown Friday? We'll find out when they release the depth chart tomorrow morning.
from DT
I would like to TE start. Dru can't come in at any point in the game if TE isn't playing well.
Quote from: blue_or_die on July 08, 2026, 06:37:19 PMI came here to say that the thread title needs to be changed! "Winnipeg @ Toronto, @ Winnipeg"
:D
Quote from: Pigskin on July 08, 2026, 09:32:42 PMI would like to TE start. Dru can't come in at any point in the game if TE isn't playing well.
I prefer for this game play at QB going into this game.
Bombers activate import LB Hazen? Mazzccua and Bouliane back to the PR.
Hazen might be more of a speed guy to pressure Kelly off the edge instead of putting Jenkins back on the AR. I'm also wondering if Oyelola comes on as a 2nd global with Bouliane moved to PR.
Interesting shuffling of the deck.
Quote from: Pigskin on July 08, 2026, 09:32:42 PMI would like to TE start. Dru can't come in at any point in the game if TE isn't playing well.
I feel like there's zero reason to start TE. It's all risk, no benefit.
We traded for Dru for this exact possibility.
Quote from: Jesse on July 08, 2026, 10:21:24 PMI feel like there's zero reason to start TE. It's all risk, no benefit.
We traded for Dru for this exact possibility.
Yes but not after about 2 practises back in Winnipeg. This week was just a walk through. He may have had a bit of work last week, but he's still on a learning curve with the playbook.
More smoke and mirrors for Collaros not practising. I won't be surprised if he plays or doesn't play. For the moment I think he plays.
Quote from: Jesse on July 08, 2026, 10:21:24 PMI feel like there's zero reason to start TE. It's all risk, no benefit.
We traded for Dru for this exact possibility.
Agree. He's not ready for prime time as was shown last game. We traded for brown, gave up 2 first round picks for him, we play brown simple as that , of Collaros is out and I m not convinced he's going to be out
Hopefully Eli gets well soon.
I would start TE unless Brown ready after short amount of time here.
I would use both either way. Starter most reps, 2nd string sprinkle.
I would run the rock HEAVY and get creative in how I do it
Quote from: Blue In BC on July 08, 2026, 10:25:42 PMYes but not after about 2 practises back in Winnipeg. This week was just a walk through. He may have had a bit of work last week, but he's still on a learning curve with the playbook.
More smoke and mirrors for Collaros not practising. I won't be surprised if he plays or doesn't play. For the moment I think he plays.
All those points are true for Elgersma without the years of pro experience to fall back on.
Quote from: Jesse on July 08, 2026, 11:11:49 PMAll those points are true for Elgersma without the years of pro experience to fall back on.
But it's not, because Elgersma has been here since camp and steeped in the book for a couple of months now. Present for every QB meeting, with the group for film study, etc. Dru, not so much.
Some HCs might jump to Dru, but we all know MOS & Mafia don't roll that way. The guy who put in his dues and was tasked with the job gets the job. Dru will roll in when he's "MOS ready".
Quote from: Blueforlife on July 08, 2026, 10:44:14 PMI would start TE unless Brown ready after short amount of time here.
We REALLY need a nickname or something for Elgersma. We can't just use TE, because every time I read that I read it as "tight end". It's frustrating, even though I correct myself 2 seconds later.
"Taylor" doesn't lend itself to anything. But Elgersma is unique. We should be able to get some good ideas. I wonder what the team calls him?? They usually have nicknames pretty fast.
starting ideas:
The Elg
Elgs
Elgers
Elg-man
...
Quote from: markf on July 08, 2026, 09:08:44 PMWe need someone to explain that while these statistics appear to support the idea that defence is good,
they actually show that the defence is bad, and Younger is a bad coach.
That's the conundrum, isn't it. Bad D that gets #1 stats in a few categories. Sounds impossible. I can't decide if this is moneyball or reverse moneyball!!
That's probably why Mafia is so loathe to completely abandon the Younger/Hall system and start from scratch -- it clearly works in some ways.
Quote from: Blueforlife on July 08, 2026, 08:10:15 PMMaybe Toronto will forget its played here and forget to show up and Bombers can play themselves lol
With some of this team's performances it seems like all they are doing is sitting around playing with themselves all prep week.
:o :o :o ;D ;D
Quote from: Tecno on July 09, 2026, 02:51:01 AMWe REALLY need a nickname or something for Elgersma. We can't just use TE, because every time I read that I read it as "tight end". It's frustrating, even though I correct myself 2 seconds later.
"Taylor" doesn't lend itself to anything. But Elgersma is unique. We should be able to get some good ideas. I wonder what the team calls him?? They usually have nicknames pretty fast.
starting ideas:
The Elg
Elgs
Elgers
Elg-man
...
Yeah me too, someone needs to go to practice and find out his nickname
Quote from: Tecno on July 09, 2026, 02:48:45 AMBut it's not, because Elgersma has been here since camp and steeped in the book for a couple of months now. Present for every QB meeting, with the group for film study, etc. Dru, not so much.
Some HCs might jump to Dru, but we all know MOS & Mafia don't roll that way. The guy who put in his dues and was tasked with the job gets the job. Dru will roll in when he's "MOS ready".
Sure - but we traded for Dru before our 3rd game. TE has been "steeped" in the play book for weeks in his first pro season.
Dru was with us for years and spent the last two years as a starter with our current OC. To say TE has any advantage at all is nonsense, imo.
If Collaros isn't good to go, I have to think it's Brown as next man up simply by virtue of his experience, both with the RedBlacks (and Condell) and his first stint here.
Brown was acquired for a situation just like this, IMO.
So the Bombers report that Brown will start and Collaros will go on to the 1 game IR. Call me surprised but here we go. While the SMS cost is the same on 1 game IR as reserve, why didn't the team put Collaros on the RR, switching places with Brown?
I think we're going to see a fairly vanilla offence with a shortened playbook. The bonus with that is that it may be good way to win TOP if they have success with moving the ball in multiple play drives. Scoring is important but so is not giving the Argos the ball too often for too long.
The switch back to 3 import OL is a little curious to add another rotational DL.
Fingers crossed.
Need a big game from the hoggies tomorrow evening. Get Oliveira going early and that should help Brown settle in.
I don't get the impression that the Argos are great against the run. They've played teams with new RB's and little experience / success running the ball.
This could be the key to winning for the Bombers. Brady ball. Judge probably out so that's an advantage for Winnipeg.
Quote from: blue_gold_84 on July 09, 2026, 03:33:39 PMNeed a big game from the hoggies tomorrow evening. Get Oliveira going early and that should help Brown settle in.
I think Brown will be fine, I am more worried about our defense and stopping Kelly, I have zero faith in them stopping TO's passing attack
Collaros has had one above average game this year. Dru can definitely give us a sub 300 passing, 20 completion night. Or basically the level of play we got week 1, 3 and probably 4 had Zach not been hurt.
Quote from: Tecno on July 09, 2026, 02:48:45 AMBut it's not, because Elgersma has been here since camp and steeped in the book for a couple of months now. Present for every QB meeting, with the group for film study, etc. Dru, not so much.
Some HCs might jump to Dru, but we all know MOS & Mafia don't roll that way. The guy who put in his dues and was tasked with the job gets the job. Dru will roll in when he's "MOS ready".
guess he is MOS ready...it would have been foolhardy to start Elgs. Rookie pro QB's get eaten up, he needs more time and that isn't a slight against him. True rookie, has promise but when you have a proven league starter you go with them. MOS knows that
Quote from: Blue In BC on July 09, 2026, 03:12:00 PMSo the Bombers report that Brown will start and Collaros will go on to the 1 game IR. Call me surprised but here we go. While the SMS cost is the same on 1 game IR as reserve, why didn't the team put Collaros on the RR, switching places with Brown?
I think we're going to see a fairly vanilla offence with a shortened playbook. The bonus with that is that it may be good way to win TOP if they have success with moving the ball in multiple play drives. Scoring is important but so is not giving the Argos the ball too often for too long.
The switch back to 3 import OL is a little curious to add another rotational DL.
Fingers crossed.
Why would you use an RR (2 spots available) spot reserved for a healthy scratch, when for the same $SMS cost, you can put the INJURED player on the IR (unlimited spots available)?
Quote from: theaardvark on July 09, 2026, 04:49:06 PMWhy would you use an RR (2 spots available) spot reserved for a healthy scratch, when for the same $SMS cost, you can put the INJURED player on the IR (unlimited spots available)?
Because we aren't using two spots on the RR for most games. Brown just came off the RR and we've discussed how to handle having 4 QB's on the roster. Due to the number of players on our 6 game IR, we don't have healthy scratches that would fill those spots rather than being moved to PR.
You could ask why Wallace went onto the RR instead of the 1 game IR? Same situation if it's truly a short term issue.
The extended question is Collaros really suffering a neck injury of a concussion issue. I've asked / suggested why he wouldn't be placed on the 6 game IR as a better choice. If he can practice next week, there is no SMS change to remove him early.
Quote from: Blue In BC on July 09, 2026, 05:11:25 PMBecause we aren't using two spots on the RR for most games. Brown just came off the RR and we've discussed how to handle having 4 QB's on the roster. Due to the number of players on our 6 game IR, we don't have healthy scratches that would fill those spots rather than being moved to PR.
You could ask why Wallace went onto the RR instead of the 1 game IR? Same situation if it's truly a short term issue.
The extended question is Collaros really suffering a neck injury of a concussion issue. I've asked / suggested why he wouldn't be placed on the 6 game IR as a better choice. If he can practice next week, there is no SMS change to remove him early.
Feels like it makes perfect sense to put an injured player on the injured roster. Do you have a reason why we shouldn't use the IR for its designed purpose?
Quote from: Jesse on July 09, 2026, 05:16:32 PMFeels like it makes perfect sense to put an injured player on the injured roster. Do you have a reason why we shouldn't use the IR for its designed purpose?
Ya, the whole point of the RR was to make it so teams could be more transparent and honest with roster placement. League might have also sent a memo telling teams to try to cut back on the lying & cheating with roster tricks.
And since filling the RR isn't mandatory...
Quote from: The Zipp on July 09, 2026, 04:34:59 PMguess he is MOS ready...it would have been foolhardy to start Elgs. Rookie pro QB's get eaten up, he needs more time and that isn't a slight against him. True rookie, has promise but when you have a proven league starter you go with them. MOS knows that
Well, I'm a bit surprised. I guess they figure all that plus Dru is pretty sharp & quick made them confident he could do it. And we can always jump to Elgs if he sucks.
Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on July 09, 2026, 04:33:46 PMCollaros has had one above average game this year. Dru can definitely give us a sub 300 passing, 20 completion night. Or basically the level of play we got week 1, 3 and probably 4 had Zach not been hurt.
Except Dru was getting very good at throwing mid passes right to the dropped-back LBers when he was in OTT. Zach had thrown almost no INTs until that game-starting pick.
If we commit more than 1 turnover I predict we lose. We'll need like +3 on turnovers to have any hope.
Quote from: Tecno on Today at 01:12:53 AMExcept Dru was getting very good at throwing mid passes right to the dropped-back LBers when he was in OTT. Zach had thrown almost no INTs until that game-starting pick.
If we commit more than 1 turnover I predict we lose. We'll need like +3 on turnovers to have any hope.
Almost none? Zach has three picks in three and a quarter games this year.
He's thrown one in every game except the Edmonton game where he went for 290 yards, and 2 TDs after the bye. He's only played one interception free game in four tries.
Moreover, he has 17 TDs and 16 INTs last year and 17 TDs and 15 INTs the year before that. He's basically good for one a game. That's a weird way to describe "almost none". Unless you also concluded hes thrown "almost no" TDs.
Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on Today at 03:44:39 AMAlmost none? Zach has three picks in three and a quarter games this year.
IIRC one wasn't his fault (tip up). And weren't some of his other "picks" him FF, not INTs? Compared to previous years where he often would throw more INTs than TDs in some games, this really is almost no INTs. The INTs aren't really our problem this year. Carriers fumbling, and the O not being able to move the ball, is worse.
We've played risk-averse football this season. It's led to Zach throwing less INTs than the previous two years and it's also resulted in the lowest scoring in the league. The defense isn't some hall of fame calibre version of itself that can support that kind of offence.
The only glimmer is that Dru can open up the scoring.
Quote from: Jesse on Today at 01:00:13 PMWe've played risk-averse football this season. It's led to Zach throwing less INTs than the previous two years and it's also resulted in the lowest scoring in the league. The defense isn't some hall of fame calibre version of itself that can support that kind of offence.
The only glimmer is that Dru can open up the scoring.
Agree we need a change at QB but I'm not really sure it's true that Zach's on pace for anything different this year than the last two. The output is largely similar to 2024 and 2025. The last good year Zach really had was 2023.
2024: 300+ yard passing games (3), 17 TDs, 15 INTs
2025: 300+ yard passing games (3), 17 TDs, 16 INTs
2026: 300+ yard passing games (1), 5 TDs, 3 INTs (22% of the way through the season)
These numbers are all the same despite three different coordinators. Zach is a large part of the issue. Foot speed and off balance arm strength are too much to overcome. Zach always needed his feet to be at his best and now that they're gone he's more Russell Wilson than Trevor Harris. Some older QBs just can't fully adapt to the pure pocket passing QB you need to be if you want to be elite into your late 30s.
Quote from: Jesse on July 09, 2026, 05:16:32 PMFeels like it makes perfect sense to put an injured player on the injured roster. Do you have a reason why we shouldn't use the IR for its designed purpose?
Then ask the question why Wallace was placed on the RR instead of IR? He could have been a GTD and activated but you can't do that from the IR.
Every player is banged up to some degree. Wallace participated in practice at some level, so where do you draw the line?
Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on Today at 01:27:46 PMAgree we need a change at QB but I'm not really sure it's true that Zach's on pace for anything different this year than the last two. The output is largely similar to 2024 and 2025. The last good year Zach really had was 2023.
2024: 300+ yard passing games (3), 17 TDs, 15 INTs
2025: 300+ yard passing games (3), 17 TDs, 16 INTs
2026: 300+ yard passing games (1), 5 TDs, 3 INTs (22% of the way through the season)
These numbers are all the same despite three different coordinators. Zach is a large part of the issue. Foot speed and off balance arm strength are too much to overcome. Zach always needed his feet to be at his best and now that they're gone he's more Russell Wilson than Trevor Harris.
If you pace it out, he's up for >22 TDs and <14 INTs. It's not back to 2021 or anything, but it's certainly a better start than the last couple years (He had 6 INTs across his first 4 games last season).
If everything came together, I'm sure Zach could still be successful. But the early returns have been inconsistent in all the areas we needed improvements from. The most concerning being Zach availability/health. We need a spark from somewhere and if that's Dru, then it immediately pulls a couple areas up with him.
Quote from: Blue In BC on Today at 01:30:23 PMThen ask the question why Wallace was placed on the RR instead of IR? He could have been a GTD and activated but you can't do that from the IR.
Every player is banged up to some degree. Wallace participated in practice at some level, so where do you draw the line?
Well, in that specific instance, Wallace practiced whereas Zach did not. Pretty clear line.
In all other instances, Walters has guidelines that are likely outlined by the league and he follows them as closely as changing information allows him to do in real time. It's a paperwork shuffle that has no consequence one way or the other. I would expect things to contradict each other sometimes as we find out about things in a different order than Walters does.
Quote from: Jesse on Today at 01:35:33 PMIf you pace it out, he's up for >22 TDs and <14 INTs. It's not back to 2021 or anything, but it's certainly a better start than the last couple years (He had 6 INTs across his first 4 games last season).
If everything came together, I'm sure Zach could still be successful. But the early returns have been inconsistent in all the areas we needed improvements from. The most concerning being Zach availability/health. We need a spark from somewhere and if that's Dru, then it immediately pulls a couple areas up with him.
Don't want to beat a dead horse here because we are agreeing but Zach's start is basically the same as 2025 from an analytics perspective. Nothing has changed:
First four games in:
2024: 796 yards passing, 0 TDs, 4 INTs - hurt in 4th game, missed game 5.
2025: 952 yards passing, 7 TDs, 6 INTs - (hurt in 5th game, missed game 6)
2026: 984 yards passing, 5 TDs, 3 INTs - hurt in 4th game, missed game 5.
The time to move on, in hindsight, was after 2023 but the next best time is now.
Quote from: Jesse on Today at 01:39:49 PMWell, in that specific instance, Wallace practiced whereas Zach did not. Pretty clear line.
In all other instances, Walters has guidelines that are likely outlined by the league and he follows them as closely as changing information allows him to do in real time. It's a paperwork shuffle that has no consequence one way or the other. I would expect things to contradict each other sometimes as we find out about things in a different order than Walters does.
We know that in some cases players have not practised or been very limited but still played that week. The defining line between shouldn't play and couldn't play is a set of variables.
This week it's Eli that didn't practice but is on the AR. He could have just as easily been on the RR this week as Wallace was last week. Obviously nicked but not enough to be a 1 game IR for this game or beyond.
Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on Today at 01:45:10 PMDon't want to beat a dead horse here because we are agreeing but Zach's start is basically the same as 2025 from an analytics perspective. Nothing has changed:
First four games in:
2024: 796 yards passing, 0 TDs, 4 INTs - hurt in 4th game, missed game 5.
2025: 952 yards passing, 7 TDs, 6 INTs - (hurt in 5th game, missed game 6)
2026: 984 yards passing, 5 TDs, 3 INTs - hurt in 4th game, missed game 5.
The time to move on, in hindsight, was after 2023 but the next best time is now.
Especially those injuries. It's hard not to notice how predictable they've become.
Quote from: Blue In BC on Today at 02:11:18 PMWe know that in some cases players have not practised or been very limited but still played that week. The defining line between shouldn't play and couldn't play is a set of variables.
This week it's Eli that didn't practice but is on the AR. He could have just as easily been on the RR this week as Wallace was last week. Obviously nicked but not enough to be a 1 game IR for this game or beyond.
I don't think there is a defined, black and white line, if that's what you're looking for. We are dealing with ongoing injuries that you can't always predict if the player can or cannot play. And again, you're trying to discover answers when you don't, and will never have, complete or timely information about the players' health or the behind the scenes roster information that Walters is working from.
The picture is always going to be incomplete from a fan perspective.
I do think Dru Brown is better right now than Zach and that's all that should matter.
Zach should be a backup at this point but I'm not sure he sees it the same way. A great reliable backup.
What happens when Zach is healthy next week or the week after? I'm sure they will have Zach in the starting lineup again. But who will head to the PR?
Elgersma? He is a valuable asset and deemed the QB of the future for us. It's too risky.
Perkins? He has been elite at QB sneaks, even breaking a few into longer runs. We need him.
Brown? If Zach gets hurt, he is easily the next best QB on the roster.
let's cool the jets on anointing Dru Brown as the next doug flutie - he was on a bad team but he wasn't lighting it up and was oft injured.
hope he is awesome
Quote from: The Zipp on Today at 02:43:45 PMlet's cool the jets on anointing Dru Brown as the next doug flutie - he was on a bad team but he wasn't lighting it up and was oft injured.
hope he is awesome
I think we just want him to be what he previously was for us.
Quote from: LXTSN on Today at 02:37:23 PMI do think Dru Brown is better right now than Zach and that's all that should matter.
Zach should be a backup at this point but I'm not sure he sees it the same way. A great reliable backup.
What happens when Zach is healthy next week or the week after? I'm sure they will have Zach in the starting lineup again. But who will head to the PR?
Elgersma? He is a valuable asset and deemed the QB of the future for us. It's too risky.
Perkins? He has been elite at QB sneaks, even breaking a few into longer runs. We need him.
Brown? If Zach gets hurt, he is easily the next best QB on the roster.
This year, you keep TE on the 2 man reserve or 1 game IR so he gets paid and can practice with the team. Until he shows he can do short yardage as good or better then Perkins.
Quote from: The Zipp on Today at 02:43:45 PMlet's cool the jets on anointing Dru Brown as the next doug flutie - he was on a bad team but he wasn't lighting it up and was oft injured.
hope he is awesome
Nobody suggested that, they are just excited to have a proven QB that many liked back in town. That said some are a little ahead of themselves but that's ok, its exciting to think that he could retain his form he showed in the past here or after he left. Brown did light it up at times in Ott, the injuries are my biggest concern as he will take some licks until the OL can gel, find our idea mix and improve.
Today its all in the OL and Brady. They both cook and all Brown has to do is serve.
I expect Brown to be average at 1st with flashes but also rust. I think he will slowly improve with more playing and practice time.