Blue Bombers roster - 2023-2024

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Blue Bombers Transactions - August 16, 2024

WINNIPEG, MB., August 16, 2024 – The Winnipeg Blue Bombers today announce the following transactions:

Released from practice roster:
American defensive back Aaron Grymes

Winnipeg Blue Bombers release defensive back Aaron Grymes

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers released defensive back Aaron Grymes from the practice squad on Saturday according to the CFL Transactions page.

Aaron Grymes is five foot eleven and weighs 186 pounds. The 33-year-old from Seattle, Washington, signed with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on July 23, 2024, and spent three weeks on the practice squad.

The Elks (then Eskimos) signed Grymes as a free agent on May 29. 2013. Grymes played three seasons with the Eskimos with 101 tackles, 12 tackles on special teams, one sack, eight interceptions for 153 yards, and one touchdown in 43 games. He helped the Eskimos win the 2015 Grey Cup. In addition, he was named a CFL West All-Star and CFL All-Star in 2015.

In 2016, Grymes left the Eskimos to sign with the Philadelphia Eagles and appeared in one game while spending the rest of the season on the practice squad. In 2017, Grymes returned to the Eskimos with 88 tackles, six tackles on special teams, three interceptions, and two forced fumbles in 23 games.

In 2019, Grymes signed with the B.C. Lions. He made 54 tackles and one interception in 16 games. After the season was canceled in 2020, Grymes returned to Edmonton on February 6, 2021. In 2021, Grymes made 51 tackles, one tackle on special teams, and one interception in 13 games.

The following season, Grymes missed the entire 2022 season with a knee injury. In 2023, he made 51 tackles, one tackle on special teams, and one interception in 13 games. The Elks released Grymes on January 4, 2024.

Collegiately, Grymes played four seasons at Idaho (2009-12) with 246 tackles (174 solo, 72 assists), 11.5 tackles for loss, three interceptions, 16 pass breakups, three forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and one catch for five yards in 49 games for the Vandals.

https://www.bgmsportstrax.com/2024/08/17/winnipeg-blue-bombers-release-defensive-back-aaron-grymes/

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Game day 10:

Derek Taylor   @DTonOB

It's official! Kenny Lawler will play for the first time since week 1. And Celestin Haba will play for the first time since week 2.

Winnipegger Charlie Ringland (Oak Park) gets on the BC roster for Sunday's game! I believe this will be his CFL debut

Tomorrow's game features Canadians starting at QB, RB, CB, HB and Dime.

It's a testament to how far Canadian talent has come, and how some coaches have left behind the 🇨🇦/🇺🇸 biases of the past.

Jeff Hamilton   @jeffkhamilton
Bombers roster and depth chart ahead of Sunday's game against the B.C. Lions.

In: Lawler, Haba.
Out: Case, Adams.

Winner claims three-game season series, with both teams currently at a game apiece.











All-star receiver Kenny Lawler back in Bombers' lineup vs. B.C.
By 3Down Staff -August 17, 2024

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers will get a massive boost to their offence on Sunday with the return of star receiver Kenny Lawler to the lineup.

The 30-year-old native of Pomona, Calif. caught three passes for 26 yards in Winnipeg's season-opening loss to the Montreal Alouettes but left the game late in the second quarter after suffering a fractured arm. He has spent the remainder of the year on the six-game injured list.

In 2023, Lawler caught 50 passes for 901 yards with six touchdowns over 12 games with Winnipeg. He made six receptions for 83 yards in the West Final against the B.C. Lions and three catches for 77 yards during the Grey Cup against the Montreal Alouettes.

The six-foot-two, 199-pound target has made 215 receptions for 3,446 yards and 21 touchdowns since 2019. He is a two-time West Division all-star, one-time CFL all-star, and a two-time Grey Cup champion.

Kick returner Kody Case has been demoted to the practice roster to make room for Lawler. 32-year-old veteran receiver Lucky Whitehead will handle those duties after being bumped out of the starting lineup.

Defensively, Sunday will mark the return of defensive end Celestin Haba, who has been out since Week 2 with a knee injury. The 25-year-old has 13 defensive tackles, four sacks, and a forced fumble in 10 career CFL games. Rookie defensive tackle Devin Adams has been demoted to the practice roster after notching 12 defensive tackles and four sacks in nine games this year.

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers (3-6) will visit the B.C. Lions (5-4) at 7:00 p.m. EDT on Sunday, August 18.

https://3downnation.com/2024/08/17/all-star-receiver-kenny-lawler-back-in-bombers-lineup-vs-b-c/

Canadian QB Nathan Rourke confirmed to make first start for B.C. Lions vs. Winnipeg
By 3Down Staff -August 17, 2024

Canadian quarterback Nathan Rourke will officially make his 2024 for the B.C. Lions on Sunday, earning the start against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

Rourke was signed by the Lions on Tuesday following a year-and-a-half-long foray in the NFL that included stops with four different teams: the Jacksonville Jaguars, New England Patriots, New York Giants, and Atlanta Falcons. He began practicing with the team the next day and will make his return in front of a hometown crowd that is expected to be one of the largest of the year.

In 2022, the Victoria, B.C. native completed 78.7 percent of his passes for 3,349 yards with 25 touchdowns and 10 interceptions during parts of 10 starts with the B.C. Lions. He rushed 39 times for 304 yards and seven touchdowns. That November, Rourke won the three-down league's Most Outstanding Canadian award despite missing half the season with a Lisfranc injury.

Fellow quarterback Vernon Adams Jr., who was on an M.O.P. pace through the first eight games of the year, is still sidelined with a knee injury but remains on the roster as the emergency third-stringer for the second straight week. Chase Brice stays the primary backup after Jake Dolegala, who started in Week 10, was released earlier this week.

On the defensive side of the ball, rookie Canadian safety Cristophe Beaulieu (ankle) has been placed on the one-game injured list. Patrice Rene, who has made 27 defensive tackles, eight special teams tackles, and a sack this season primarily playing strong-side linebacker, will get the nod, with rookie Charlie Ringland drawing into the lineup as insurance. The team will also swap American defensive tackles, as Jonah Tavai will dress in place of Marcus Moore, who will be a healthy scratch.

The B.C. Lions (5-4) will host the Winnipeg Blue Bombers (3-6) on Sunday, August 18 at 7:00 p.m. EDT.

https://3downnation.com/2024/08/17/canadian-qb-nathan-rourke-confirmed-to-make-first-start-for-b-c-lions-vs-winnipeg/

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Transactions:

2024-08-17    WPG    HABA, Celestin    DL    A    Texas A&M Commerce    ADD FROM SINGLE GAME INJURY    Game Roster
2024-08-17    WPG    GRYMES, Aaron    DB    A    Idaho    DEL    Practice Roster
2024-08-17    WPG    WHEATFALL, Keric    WR    A    Fresno State    TRF TO PRACTICE ROSTER    Practice Roster
2024-08-17    WPG    SCHOEN, Dalton    WR    A    Kansas State    EXT ON SIX GAME INJURY    Six Game Injury
2024-08-17    WPG    LAWLER, Kenny    WR    A    California    ADD FROM SIX GAME INJURY    Game Roster

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Transactions:

2024-08-21   WPG   Adams, Devin   DT   A   Peru State College   ADD FROM PRACTICE ROSTER   Game Roster
2024-08-21   WPG   KARAMOKO, Souleymane   DB   G   Laval   TRF TO PRACTICE ROSTER   Practice Roster
2024-08-21   WPG   SCHMEKEL, Tanner   DL   N   Regina   TRF TO PRACTICE ROSTER   Practice Roster

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Winnipeg Blue Bombers   @Wpg_BlueBombers
Injury Report: August 21, 2024

[ModAdmin]

Just saying, I wouldn't count Adam Bighill out for this game except maybe to rest him.

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Game 11:

Derek Taylor   @DTonOB
Aug 21
Bombers have moved DT Devin Adams to the roster for Friday's game. Wonder if that will be for Adam Bighill's roster spot.

With DT Tanner Schmekel and LB Souleymane Karamoko going to the practice roster there's (at least) two more moves to come. (Ogbevoen? Chris-Ike?)

Darrin Bauming   @DarrinBauming
Aug 22
Adam Bighill (hamstring) has been placed on the 6-Game IL.
Injured in Vancouver on Sunday, this assignment does not necessarily mean he will be out for six games.
That said, Winnipeg does handle hamstring issues with an abundance of caution and patience.

Bob Irving   @BobIrvingCJOB
With Adam Bighill going on the 6 game injured list the Blue Bombers now have 5 bonafide starters on 6-game and 3 or 4 others who would likely be on the roster if healthy. No excuses though, Bombers look for their 3rd win in a row hosting Hamilton Friday.

Paul Friesen   @friesensunmedia
MLB Adam Bighill ruled out for tomorrow's #Bombers-Hamilton tilt. Veteran backup Shayne Gauthier starts in his place.

Derek Taylor   @DTonOB
Adam Bighill goes to the injured list. Shayne Gauthier assumes the starting LB role.
FB Bailey Feltmate returns from injury giving the Bombers a FB + valuable special teams work.
DT Devin Adams returns and LB Fabian Weitz makes his CFL debut.








Bombers place star LB Adam Bighill on six-game injured list
By 3Down Staff -August 22, 2024

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers have placed star linebacker Adam Bighill on the six-game injured list ahead of their matchup with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats on Friday.

The 35-year-old went down with a hamstring injury in the second quarter of the Bombers' Week 11 win over B.C. and did not practice this week. Through nine games this season, he has recorded 46 defensive tackles and one sack.

Bighill is one of the most successful defensive players in CFL history, earning six CFL all-star selections and three Most Outstanding Defensive Player Awards. He is credited with 937 defensive tackles, 71 special teams tackles, 50 sacks, 15 interceptions, and 14 forced fumbles in 189 career games.

Canadian Shayne Gauthier has been tapped as Bighill's replacement at middle linebacker. The 32-year-old has recorded three defensive tackles this season, all of which came in last week's game. In 70 career CFL games, he has amassed 52 defensive tackles and 64 special teams tackles with two sacks and two forced fumbles.

Elsewhere on defence, Winnipeg swapped out a couple of depth defensive pieces. American defensive tackle Devin Adams, who has four sacks this year, comes into the lineup and sends Canadian Tanner Schmekel to the practice roster. Global linebacker Fabian Weitz will also swap places with his counterpart Souleymane Karamoko. Fullback Bailey Feltmate will also dress.

The Winnipeg Blue Bomber (4-6) will host the Hamilton Tiger-Cats (2-8) on Friday, August 23 at 8:30 p.m. EDT.

https://3downnation.com/2024/08/22/bombers-place-star-lb-adam-bighill-on-six-game-injured-list/

QB Bo Levi Mitchell to start for Ticats, Taylor Powell placed on six-game injured list
By 3Down Staff -August 22, 2024

The CFL's leading passer will be back under centre for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats on Friday night, even if they don't want him there.

Bo Levi Mitchell has been given the start against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers after fellow quarterback Taylor Powell was placed on the six-game injured list with a concussion. The 34-year-old was benched early in Week 10 and replaced with Powell, but had to step in and play the majority of last week's game after his replacement was taken to hospital.

Through 10 games, Mitchell still leads the CFL in passing yards, touchdowns and interceptions. He has gone 237-of-348 for 2,816 yards, 19 majors, and 14 picks.

Rookie Harrison Frost will serve as the team's primary backup and Taulia Tagovailoa, brother of Miami Dolphins' QB Tua, will dress for the first time as the third-stringer.

Offensively, running back James Butler will be a healthy scratch for the second straight week and will be joined by right tackle Jordan Murray. Rookie Brendan Bordner returns from illness to step in at left tackle, bumping Quinton Barrow to the right side.

Canadian receiver Luther Hakunavanhu (head) has been placed on the six-game injured list and his backup Tyler Ternowski (head) will go on the one-game injured list. Brendan O'Leary-Orange will get the start in the slot, with American Dezmon Patmon dressing as insurance. Jordan Byrd will also suit up for the first time as the team's returner.

Defensively, Richard Leonard will bump over to field halfback following the release of Kenneth George and Will Sunderland will start at corner, with Canadian Siriman Harrison Bagayogo dressing as insurance. Canadian defensive lineman Benoit Marion also returns to the lineup.

Special teams standout Carthell Flowers-Lloyd will be a healthy scratch and linebacker Ray Wilborn has been demoted to the practice roster. Canadian rookie Daniel Bell (head) will spend the week on the one-game injured list.

The Hamilton Tiger-Cats (2-8) will visit the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on Friday, August 23 at 8:30 p.m. EDT.

https://3downnation.com/2024/08/22/qb-bo-levi-mitchell-to-start-for-ticats-taylor-powell-placed-on-six-game-injured-list/

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Transactions:

2024-08-22   WPG   Weitz, Fabian   LB   G   Cologne Centurions (ELF)   ADD FROM PRACTICE ROSTER   Game Roster
2024-08-22   WPG   BIGHILL, Adam   LB   A   Central Washington   TRF TO SIX GAME INJURY   Six Game Injury
2024-08-22   WPG   FELTMATE, Bailey   LB   N   Acadia   ADD FROM SIX GAME INJURY   Game Roster

[gobombersgo]

Blue Bombers Transactions - August 27, 2024

WINNIPEG, MB., August 27, 2024 – The Winnipeg Blue Bombers today announce the following transactions:

Added to practice roster:
National defensive back/linebacker Lourenz Bowers (5-11, 210, Western)

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Winnipeg Blue Bombers add Western standout Lourenz Bowers-Kane to practice roster
By 3Down Staff -August 27, 2024

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers have signed Canadian strong-side linebacker Lourenz Bowers-Kane to their practice roster.

The five-foot-eleven, 207-pound defender made 146 total tackles, six tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and one pass knockdown over the past three seasons at Western University, winning a Vanier Cup in 2021.

The native of Dartmouth, N.S. was named a second-team U Sports All-Canadian and an OUA first-team all-star at strong-side linebacker in 2023.

Bowers-Kane attended the CFL Combine in Winnipeg this past off-season as well as Syracuse University's pro day, though he went unselected in the 2024 CFL Draft.

https://3downnation.com/2024/08/27/winnipeg-blue-bombers-add-western-standout-lourenz-bowers-kane-to-practice-roster/

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Transactions:

2024-08-27   WPG   Bowers, Lourenz   LB   N   Western University   ADD   Practice Roster
2024-08-27   WPG   SCHMEKEL, Tanner   DL   N   Regina   ADD FROM PRACTICE ROSTER   Game Roster
2024-08-27   WPG   Wallace, Gabe   OL   N   Buffalo   TRF TO SIX GAME INJURY   Six Game Injury

[gobombersgo]

Winnipeg Blue Bombers   @Wpg_BlueBombers

Injury Report: August 30, 2024




Saskatchewan Roughriders @sskroughriders

Injury report & Game status - August 30, 2024

[gobombersgo]

Game 12:

Jeff Hamilton   @jeffkhamilton
NEWS out of Regina: Bombers will be without OL Stanley Bryant for Sunday's Labour Day Classic against the Saskatchewan Roughriders. Bryant is doing much better but is still not cleared to play after battling an illness/heat that led to him being stretchered off the field last wk.

Darrin Bauming   @DarrinBauming
Mike O'Shea had said on Tuesday that he expected Bryant to play.
This is a very tough hit for Winnipeg and the #Bombers O.

Ed Tait   @EdTaitWFC
The @Wpg_BlueBombers depth chart for the Labour Day Classic. Four changes, with the biggest being no LT Stanley Bryant. Coming on are LB Adam Bighill, WR Drew Wolitarsky, OL Micah Vanterpool and DT Tanner Schmekel. Off: Bryant, Feltmate, Adams and OL Gabe Wallace

Bob Irving   @BobIrvingCJOB
No Stanley Bryant on the Bombers roster for Sundays game in Regina. Micah Vanterpool comes off the practice roster to backup the starting 5 of Randolph, Dobson, Kolankowski, Eli and Lofton. Drew Wolitarsky is back in.

Paul Friesen   @friesensunmedia
After Mike O'Shea told us/you all week that he expected OL Stanley Bryant to play on Sunday, #Bombers roster shows Bryant out for Labour Day Classic. Down to six healthy O-linemen in town.
REC Drew Wolitarsky back in.

Derek Taylor   @DTonOB
As we mentioned on the @680CJOB Sports Show, it was curious that the Bombers were practicing with Randolph at LT while saying they expected Stanley Bryant would be ready to play.
No Bryant, but Bighill and Wolitarsky return for Sunday.

John Hodge   @JohnDHodge
Stanley Bryant will miss a game due to injury/illness for the first time since joining Winnipeg in 2015.

A big loss against a stout Saskatchewan pass rush.

Ed Tait   @EdTaitWFC
Update on Stanley Bryant @MyHumble_Self from @Wpg_BlueBombers head coach Mike O'Shea at the team's media availability at Mosaic Stadium here in Regina:

"He was sick and that's why he left the last game. So, we were hopeful things would come around for him and they just didn't come around quite in time. I don't think it would have been the right decision to put him in with the way he was feeling -- things were still lingering a little bit. So, so be it. We've got some young guys who are ready to go."

Bob Irving   @BobIrvingCJOB
Sundays Labour Day classic in Regina could boil down to how well the beat up Blue Bomber O-line(no Bryant, no Neufeld) handles the strong Sask defensive front.(another in-depth observation, right??🤪).

Mitchell Blair   @mblairYQR
The #Riders roster for the LDC is out with the 53-man basically looking the same as it did last time out

Britton Gray   @BrittonGray
Not many changes for the #Riders ahead of the LDC.

Clint Ratkovich back in the lineup, Godfrey Onyeka comes in while Dalke added to the one-game injured list. #CFL

Taylor Shire   @Taylor_Shire
#Riders depth chart vs #Bombers for the Labour Day Classic:

A couple depth with Ratkovich and K. Onyeka returning for Dalke and Miller.

Also 4 receivers (Meyers, Bane, KSB, Johnson) are lining up at different positions this week.

Saskatchewan Roughriders   @sskroughriders
The Saskatchewan Roughriders have released National linebacker Zachary Philion.









Bombers' OL Stanley Bryant out for Labour Day Classic vs. Riders
By 3Down Staff -August 31, 2024

Winnipeg Blue Bombers' left tackle Stanley Bryant will miss his first game due to injury or illness when his team visits the Saskatchewan Roughriders for the Labour Day Classic.

Bryant had to be stretchered off the field early in last week's win over the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and was taken to hospital in apparent medical distress from a combination of heat and illness. He was discharged the following day but has been unable to practice this week, earning a spot on the six-game injured list.

The 38-year-old is arguably the greatest offensive lineman in CFL history, having won a record four Most Outstanding Offensive Linemen awards. He's also ultra-durable, starting 148 of a possible 151 career games since joining the Blue Bombers as a free agent in 2015. He was a healthy scratch for the three games he missed, all of which came late in the season after Winnipeg had clinched first place in the West Division.

American Kendall Randolph, who started last week at right guard, will move over to left tackle for this game, while Tui Eli slots into the interior. With rookie backup Gabe Wallace (knee) expected to be out long-term on the six-game injured list, American Micah Vanterpool will dress as the sixth man.

It isn't all bad news for Winnipeg, however, as all-star linebacker Adam Bighill will make an early return to the starting lineup after spending just one week on the six-game. In nine games this year, the 35-year-old has recorded 46 tackles and a sack — bringing his career total to 937 defensive tackles.

Also returning is veteran Canadian receiver Drew Wolitarsky, who knocks rookie Kevens Clercius out of the starting lineup. In eight games this year, he has snagged 26 passes for 326 yards and a touchdown.

In other roster moves, rookie American defensive tackle Devin Adams, who has four sacks this year, has been demoted to the practice roster in favour of Canadian Tanner Schmekel. Fullback Bailey Feltmate (ankle) has also been placed on the six-game injured list.

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers (5-6) will visit the Saskatchewan Roughriders (5-5-1) for the Labour Day Classic on Sunday, September 1 at 7:00 p.m. EDT.

https://3downnation.com/2024/08/31/bombers-ol-stanley-bryant-out-for-labour-day-classic-vs-riders/

Riders tweak Labour Day Classic roster with addition of FB Clint Ratkovich
By 3Down Staff -August 31, 2024

The Saskatchewan Roughriders are winless in their last five games but have only tweaked their roster slightly for the Labour Day Classic clash with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

The biggest change will see American fullback Clint Ratkovich draw back into the lineup in an effort to open up something for Frankie Hickson in the running game. The 26-year-old, who was dubbed "Super-Back" in college, has recorded five carries for eight yards and caught six passes for 68 yards and a touchdown in 10 games this year.

On defence, Saskatchewan will swap out depth Canadian defensive backs. Jayden Dalke, who has three defensive tackles, four special teams tackles, and a forced fumble this year, will be a healthy scratch. Kosi Onyeka, who has one special teams tackle and a forced fumble in four games, draws in to the lineup.

American linebacker Aubrey Miller Jr. has been demoted to the practice roster in a corresponding move.

The Saskatchewan Roughriders (5-5-1) will host the Winnipeg Blue Bombers (5-6) for the Labour Day Classic on Sunday, September 1 at 7:00 p.m. EDT.

https://3downnation.com/2024/08/31/riders-tweak-labour-day-classic-roster-with-addition-of-fb-clint-ratkovich/

[gobombersgo]

Transactions:

2024-08-31   WPG   WOLITARSKY, Drew   WR   N   Minnesota   ADD FROM SIX GAME INJURY   Game Roster
2024-08-31   WPG   BIGHILL, Adam   LB   A   Central Washington   ADD FROM SIX GAME INJURY   Game Roster
2024-08-31   WPG   Adams, Devin   DT   A   Peru State College   TRF TO PRACTICE ROSTER   Practice Roster
2024-08-31   WPG   VANTERPOOL, Micah   OL   A   Hawaii   ADD FROM PRACTICE ROSTER   Game Roster
2024-08-31   WPG   FELTMATE, Bailey   LB   N   Acadia   TRF TO SIX GAME INJURY   Six Game Injury
2024-08-31   WPG   BRYANT, Stanley   OL   A   East Carolina   TRF TO SIX GAME INJURY   Six Game Injury

[gobombersgo]

Transactions:

2024-09-04   WPG   Ogbevoen, Lucky   DL   G   Tirol Raiders (ELF)   TRF TO PRACTICE ROSTER   Practice Roster

Lucky was previously on the 6 game injured list.