Official Game Day Thread - Winnipeg at Sask., May 30, 2025

[ModAdmin]

Final auditions for a number of new players and some fine tuning for some of the vets vying for starting positions.

Ed Tait's 48-Hour Primer and comments on Day 18 of training camp follow...

https://www.bluebombers.com/2025/05/28/48-hr-primer-blue-bombers-training-camp-report-day-18/

A pre-season game, but important game for players and coaches as decision day on May 31st follows quickly!

[Sir Blue and Gold]

It's depth chart day! Excited to see who we're bringing.

[Blue In BC]

Tomorrow will be the last day for many players around the CFL. Time to make an impression every time you step on the field. Opportunities will be limited so make the most of it.

We may be in for a few surprises as the final roster is set. Hopefully no injuries that force a change.

I want to see the rookie RB's get used more in the game plan. Cooley was an interesting player in game 1 but the ratio works against him so he probably gets a spot on the PR. OTOH Peterson stands a good chance to make the AR as depth and ST player.

[Ridermania]

I'll be at the game tomorrow and will try to provide some input on Bomber players for the group.

[Stats Junkie]

Blue Bombers depth chart is listed in Ed Tait's Game Preview

https://www.bluebombers.com/2025/05/29/game-preview-preseason-2-wpg-at-sask/

Roughriders Depth Chart

EDIT
Blue Bombers depth chart & roster

[Blue In BC]

I'm a little surprised that Schoen and Demski will dress although I don't expect them to play long. Too many decisions on the other import receivers pending.

The way things are going we may see Randolph start the season at RT as Lofton continues to deal with some sort of injury. I don't know whether that impacts the choice at RG or not, but we'll see.

Hardly any starters on defence from 2024. T. Jones and Kramdi also not listed although Kramdi has some minor injury as well. Bridges getting every opportunity to win the CB spot?

Saturday cuts will be interesting but in some cases already decided IMO. I can't say I know how this works out but can only guess on some.

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

NOTABLE: The Blue Bombers are leaving 13 regulars in Winnipeg for the final preseason game in DEs Willie Jefferson and James Vaughters, DT Jake Thomas, LBs Tony Jones, Kyrie Wilson and Shayne Gauthier, defensive backs Deatrick Nichols, Evan Holm, Terrell Bonds and Michael Griffin II, running back Brady Oliveira and right tackle Eric Lofton.

All four quarterbacks will dress, with Chris Streveler listed as the starter and Zach Collaros, Chase Artopoeus and Terry Wilson listed behind him in that order.

[Waffler]

All four quarterbacks will dress, with Chris Streveler listed as the starter and Zach Collaros, Chase Artopoeus and Terry Wilson listed behind him in that order.

Seems like there is a battle for #3 after all.

[Sir Blue and Gold]

The pre-season depth-charts are so fun.

A few things that I find interesting:

1) Wheatfall still leading that WR spot over Dillon Mitchell. Hall moved over and added head of Mitchell. Could he be at risk despite the signing bonus?

2) Schoen back is a nice story. Hope he picks up where he left off.

3) Vaval starting on the boundary corner. I know they like him as a returner but his ability to make the team might depend on how useful he is as a backup corner/half which is paramount with CFLs small rosters.

4) Jonathan Jones remains slotted into MLB - will look to see if he plays more WILL.

5) Vanterpool looks like he's going to get a long look at LG. I'd be surprised if he doesn't capitalize so long as the ratio can handle it. Vanterpool/Wallace always seemed like the right candidates for that spot over Eli who still feels like that perfect six lineman.

6) The secondary is going to be rough.

7) Person vs Devo Bridges for that third DE spot.

8 ) QB order is...unexpected. Choices have been made but it's hard to tell why.

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

The pre-season depth-charts are so fun.

A few things that I find interesting:

1) Wheatfall still leading that WR spot over Dillon Mitchell. Hall moved over and added head of Mitchell. Could he be at risk despite the signing bonus?

2) Schoen back is a nice story. Hope he picks up where he left off.

3) Vaval starting on the boundary corner. I know they like him as a returner but his ability to make the team might depend on how useful he is as a backup corner/half which is paramount with CFLs small rosters.

4) Jonathan Jones remains slotted into MLB - will look to see if he plays more WILL.

5) Vanterpool looks like he's going to get a long look at LG. I'd be surprised if he doesn't capitalize so long as the ratio can handle it. Vanterpool/Wallace always seemed like the right candidates for that spot over Eli who still feels like that perfect six lineman.

6) The secondary is going to be rough.

7) Person vs Devo Bridges for that third DE spot.

8 ) QB order is...unexpected. Choices have been made but it's hard to tell why.

Repeat every week, the order listed on the depth chart means nothing.

[Sir Blue and Gold]

Repeat every week, the order listed on the depth chart means nothing.

That's still not true and just means you're wrong twice.

The Bombers started last week's pre-season game in the same order that they listed the depth chart without exception. Playing first is good if you're a player trying to make the team.  Obviously.

Additionally, of the 13 players they're leaving behind, almost all were listed in spot one in pre-season game one for their position. Logic is applied in broad strokes even if you may be right that there isn't a huge difference between player 3 and 4 or whatever at defensive tackle. 

Not making the trip and their listing in last week's chart:
DE 1 Willie Jefferson
DE 1 James Vaughters
DT 1 Jake Thomas,
MLB 1 Tony Jones
WILL 1 Kyrie Wilson
HB 1 Deatrick Nichols
HB 1 Evan Holm,
CB 1 Terrell Bonds
RB 1 Brady Oliveira 

In fact, the only non-first ranked players not making the trip are: Eric Lofton (who has been nicked and wasn't dressed), Rheda Kramdi (groin), Michael Griffin II (presumably SLB 1 if Kramdi can't go) and Shayne Gauthier (who is old, lol)

Those things are all coincidences, or there is meaning to the order at least in the overall sense. 1 is better than 4 without question -- so it means something.

[markf]

Three American O line. As I have hoped for.

What will happen with Ayers?

he always seems to be around the ball, and is a good tackler.

Is Jones just better?

Or do they want to have two Joneses  the field at once, for laughs?

Could bring in Chris Jones as a consultant for the trifecta.

Moss has a great sense of humour!

Edit..... I just read that some US  college teams have a salary cap of 20,000,000.00

Nuts.

[Blue In BC]

That's still not true and just means you're wrong twice.

The Bombers started last week's pre-season game in the same order that they listed the depth chart without exception. Playing first is good if you're a player trying to make the team.  Obviously.

Additionally, of the 13 players they're leaving behind, almost all were listed in spot one in pre-season game one for their position. Logic is applied in broad strokes even if you may be right that there isn't a huge difference between player 3 and 4 or whatever at defensive tackle. 

Not making the trip and their listing in last week's chart:
DE 1 Willie Jefferson
DE 1 James Vaughters
DT 1 Jake Thomas,
MLB 1 Tony Jones
WILL 1 Kyrie Wilson
HB 1 Deatrick Nichols
HB 1 Evan Holm,
CB 1 Terrell Bonds
RB 1 Brady Oliveira 

In fact, the only non-first ranked players not making the trip are: Eric Lofton (who has been nicked and wasn't dressed), Rheda Kramdi (groin), Michael Griffin II (presumably SLB 1 if Kramdi can't go) and Shayne Gauthier (who is old, lol)

Those things are all coincidences, or there is meaning to the order at least in the overall sense. 1 is better than 4 without question -- so it means something.

I didn't get the impression that Kramdi has anything serious as far as his injury. Before Makonzo got injured I thought he'd be the back up at SAM. Now he's gone 6 + games on IR. So Griffin is probably next up, but that's a ratio change potentially.

We've lost a few Canadian depth players to injury. That opens up a few spots for some other faces.

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

That's still not true and just means you're wrong twice.

The Bombers started last week's pre-season game in the same order that they listed the depth chart without exception. Playing first is good if you're a player trying to make the team.  Obviously.

Additionally, of the 13 players they're leaving behind, almost all were listed in spot one in pre-season game one for their position. Logic is applied in broad strokes even if you may be right that there isn't a huge difference between player 3 and 4 or whatever at defensive tackle. 

Not making the trip and their listing in last week's chart:
DE 1 Willie Jefferson
DE 1 James Vaughters
DT 1 Jake Thomas,
MLB 1 Tony Jones
WILL 1 Kyrie Wilson
HB 1 Deatrick Nichols
HB 1 Evan Holm,
CB 1 Terrell Bonds
RB 1 Brady Oliveira 

In fact, the only non-first ranked players not making the trip are: Eric Lofton (who has been nicked and wasn't dressed), Rheda Kramdi (groin), Michael Griffin II (presumably SLB 1 if Kramdi can't go) and Shayne Gauthier (who is old, lol)

Those things are all coincidences, or there is meaning to the order at least in the overall sense. 1 is better than 4 without question -- so it means something.

Not according to MOS, he's mentioned a few times not to read anything into the order listed. I believe under the rules of the league, the first player listed is required to take the first snap of the game.  It doesn't show who is ranked a step ahead at that position, as MOS said earlier this week, grading is not done till all evidence has been submitted this weekend. 

[Sir Blue and Gold]

I didn't get the impression that Kramdi has anything serious as far as his injury. Before Makonzo got injured I thought he'd be the back up at SAM. Now he's gone 6 + games on IR. So Griffin is probably next up, but that's a ratio change potentially.

We've lost a few Canadian depth players to injury. That opens up a few spots for some other faces.

O'Shea says he's not worried but he was holding his groin and was visually frustrated at the end of practice when it happened. My guess is he'll be fine. That type of injury can be stubborn and linger though. The fact that Griffin is staying home is interesting in that context.