2025 season - CFL (Non-Bombers) news

[gobombersgo]

Hamilton Tiger-Cats sign veteran backup QB Jake Dolegala to practice roster
By 3Down Staff -June 8, 2025

The Hamilton Tiger-Cats have signed veteran American quarterback Jake Dolegala to their practice roster.

Dolegala has been a free agent since he was released by the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on May 1. He originally joined the Bombers in September 2024 after being released by the B.C. Lions in mid-August following the team signing Canadian QB Nathan Rourke.

The six-foot-seven, 242-pound passer started one game for B.C. in 2024, completing 14-of-23 passes for 146 yards in a 33-16 loss to the Edmonton Elks.

The Hamburg, N.Y. native started nine games for the Saskatchewan Roughriders in 2023, his second year in the CFL. He completed 64.8 percent of his passes for 2,641 yards, 11 touchdowns, and nine interceptions. The big QB went 2-7 as a starter after Trevor Harris suffered a season-ending leg injury.

Through three CFL seasons and 29 games, Dolegala has completed 62.6 percent of his passes for 2,953 yards with 12 touchdowns against 11 interceptions. He's rushed 29 times for 112 yards and one major.

In 2019, Dolegala signed as an undrafted free agent with the Cincinnati Bengals, spending the year on the 53-man roster, but did not see any game action. He then landed the New England Patriots (2020-2021), Green Bay Packers (2021), and Miami Dolphins (2021) while earning approximately $662,000 USD.

Dolegala spent his four-year collegiate career (2015-2018) with Central Connecticut State University. He completed 57.6 percent of his passes for 8,129 yards with 48 touchdowns versus 29 interceptions, finishing with a 126.5 career passer rating while also rushing 233 times for 452 yards and 18 touchdowns.

In a corresponding move, the Ticats released American receiver Josh Johnson. Hamilton (0-1) will return to the field on Saturday, June 14 when they host the Saskatchewan Roughriders (1-0).

https://3downnation.com/2025/06/08/hamilton-tiger-cats-sign-veteran-backup-qb-jake-dolegala-to-practice-roster/

[gobombersgo]

'It has to be better': CFL commissioner Stewart Johnston promises 'overhaul' of website after preseason streaming debacle
By JC Abbott -June 7, 2025

CFL commissioner Stewart Johnston isn't going to waste time buffering when it comes to the first major challenge of his tenure.

On Thursday, the former Bell Media executive took responsibility for the technological issues that have plagued the league's website and streaming platform throughout the preseason, promising to address the problem.

https://3downnation.com/2025/06/07/it-has-to-be-better-cfl-commissioner-stewart-johnston-promises-overhaul-of-website-after-preseason-streaming-debacle/

[TecnoGenius]

Hamilton Tiger-Cats sign veteran backup QB Jake Dolegala to practice roster
By 3Down Staff -June 8, 2025

Uh-oh.  BLM already in the hot seat.  1 game.  LOL.

Goveia might not be as forgiving as the last guy.  Making tough decisions in a timely manner is critical.

Me, I'd roll with Powell, however it's a huge gamble.  Dolegala might be the insurance if Powell is a bust as the franchise guy.  These moves set the team up to be able to make drastic moves by week 6-9.

Today would be the perfect day for BLM to retire to the TSN panel... Sounds like Milt will be out at least a month, and Chez/Henoc aren't good enough to be "it" for 100% of the games.

TSN picked the wrong week to stop sniffing glue not have Dunigan on the payroll.

[Waffler]

Today would be the perfect day for BLM to retire to the TSN panel... Sounds like Milt will be out at least a month, and Chez/Henoc aren't good enough to be "it" for 100% of the games.

TSN claims they will have current players guesting and Hamilton has a bye week for week 3. With Bo living close by the TSN studios I think we will see him then.

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

Hamilton Tiger-Cats sign veteran backup QB Jake Dolegala to practice roster
By 3Down Staff -June 8, 2025

The Hamilton Tiger-Cats have signed veteran American quarterback Jake Dolegala to their practice roster.

Dolegala has been a free agent since he was released by the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on May 1. He originally joined the Bombers in September 2024 after being released by the B.C. Lions in mid-August following the team signing Canadian QB Nathan Rourke.

The six-foot-seven, 242-pound passer started one game for B.C. in 2024, completing 14-of-23 passes for 146 yards in a 33-16 loss to the Edmonton Elks.

The Hamburg, N.Y. native started nine games for the Saskatchewan Roughriders in 2023, his second year in the CFL. He completed 64.8 percent of his passes for 2,641 yards, 11 touchdowns, and nine interceptions. The big QB went 2-7 as a starter after Trevor Harris suffered a season-ending leg injury.

Through three CFL seasons and 29 games, Dolegala has completed 62.6 percent of his passes for 2,953 yards with 12 touchdowns against 11 interceptions. He's rushed 29 times for 112 yards and one major.

In 2019, Dolegala signed as an undrafted free agent with the Cincinnati Bengals, spending the year on the 53-man roster, but did not see any game action. He then landed the New England Patriots (2020-2021), Green Bay Packers (2021), and Miami Dolphins (2021) while earning approximately $662,000 USD.

Dolegala spent his four-year collegiate career (2015-2018) with Central Connecticut State University. He completed 57.6 percent of his passes for 8,129 yards with 48 touchdowns versus 29 interceptions, finishing with a 126.5 career passer rating while also rushing 233 times for 452 yards and 18 touchdowns.

In a corresponding move, the Ticats released American receiver Josh Johnson. Hamilton (0-1) will return to the field on Saturday, June 14 when they host the Saskatchewan Roughriders (1-0).

https://3downnation.com/2025/06/08/hamilton-tiger-cats-sign-veteran-backup-qb-jake-dolegala-to-practice-roster/

They never tells us why?  Why, why, why, why, why would you do it?

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

'It has to be better': CFL commissioner Stewart Johnston promises 'overhaul' of website after preseason streaming debacle
By JC Abbott -June 7, 2025

CFL commissioner Stewart Johnston isn't going to waste time buffering when it comes to the first major challenge of his tenure.

On Thursday, the former Bell Media executive took responsibility for the technological issues that have plagued the league's website and streaming platform throughout the preseason, promising to address the problem.

https://3downnation.com/2025/06/07/it-has-to-be-better-cfl-commissioner-stewart-johnston-promises-overhaul-of-website-after-preseason-streaming-debacle/

Watched CFL+ from Germany this weekend, it worked perfectly. Spreken de Deutsch?

[Blueforlife]

https://3downnation.com/2025/06/09/saskatchewan-roughriders-sign-darius-washington-to-shore-up-ailing-offensive-line/

[Blueforlife]

https://www.sportsnet.ca/cfl/article/roughriders-lose-four-starters-to-injury-in-win-over-redblacks/

[gobombersgo]

https://www.sportsnet.ca/cfl/article/roughriders-lose-four-starters-to-injury-in-win-over-redblacks/

Ouellette and Milligan practiced today.

[gobombersgo]

Ottawa Redblacks rule out Dru Brown for Week 2 against Alouettes: report


https://3downnation.com/2025/06/11/ottawa-redblacks-rule-out-dru-brown-for-week-2-against-alouettes-report/

[Pigskin]

How are some of our X-bombers doing.

Lawler 14/249 1 TD.
Fox  5 DTs.
Garbutt 4 DTs.
Cole 3 STs.
Samson PR
Woli82 IR
JA27  No Stats
Hubert No Stats
Haba  No Stats.
Ford 3 DTs.

[Blue In BC]

How are some of our X-bombers doing.

Lawler 14/249 1 TD.
Fox  5 DTs.
Garbutt 4 DTs.
Cole 3 STs.
Samson PR
Woli82 IR
JA27  No Stats
Hubert No Stats
Haba  No Stats.
Ford 3 DTs.

Generally the TiCats defence was not very good. OTOH, BLM throwing a pick 6 did them in.

[Blueforlife]

Winless Toronto Argonauts dealing with numerous injuries after loss to Calgary Stampeders | TSN https://www.tsn.ca/cfl/winless-toronto-argonauts-dealing-with-numerous-injuries-after-loss-to-calgary-stampeders-1.2321727

[Blueforlife]

How are some of our X-bombers doing.

Lawler 14/249 1 TD.
Fox  5 DTs.
Garbutt 4 DTs.
Cole 3 STs.
Samson PR
Woli82 IR
JA27  No Stats
Hubert No Stats
Haba  No Stats.
Ford 3 DTs.

Fox ans Garbutt showing might be future good starters
Ford already a stud

Thanks so much for this

[Blueforlife]

'I feel awful for him': Ottawa Redblacks rule out Canadian DB Alonzo Addae for season - 3DownNation https://share.google/iPLlL8v7k50KyTV46

Saskatchewan Roughriders sign Darius Washington to shore up ailing offensive line - 3DownNation https://share.google/fKSCl8sNncR5CQNrG

[Blueforlife]

https://www.cfl.ca/2025/06/18/stamps-place-reggie-begelton-on-six-game-injury-list-add-two-to-practice-roster/

[Stats Junkie]

From Al Jakubec
Dustin Crum took all the first team reps for Ottawa at QB today. Bob Dyce wouldn't rule out Dru Brown for Saturday. But if he can't play it will be Crum starting ahead of Matt Shiltz

[Stats Junkie]

https://www.cfl.ca/2025/06/18/stamps-place-reggie-begelton-on-six-game-injury-list-add-two-to-practice-roster/

From Farhan Lalji - Fractured leg for Begelton.

I hope he recovers fully from this.

[TecnoGenius]

But if he can't play it will be Crum starting ahead of Matt Shiltz

It's the smart play.  Shiltz didn't light things up.  See if Crum got any better, he's had a few seasons now.  And if Crum sucks too, with clearly garbage OL play, then at least they know what/who to blame and can always change back to Shiltz.

Now, if Crum lights it up with the same OL, then that may finally be the (near) end for Shiltz.

[TecnoGenius]

From Farhan Lalji - Fractured leg for Begelton.

I hope he recovers fully from this.

Actually one of the best case scenarios for what we saw.  I thought he blew up his knee.  Fracture probably means he'll back on the field well before season end.

[Blueforlife]

Toronto Argonauts rule out five starters against Saskatchewan, including Wynton McManis - 3DownNation https://share.google/4GTcRYRZl86RtaqZt

[Sir Blue and Gold]

From Farhan Lalji - Fractured leg for Begelton.

I hope he recovers fully from this.

Woah -- what a really odd way to fracture a leg. Looked like your standard MCL/ACL joint type issue as all he was doing was pretty routine blocking.

[VictorRomano]

Ottawa signed former BB 1st round pick (2023) Anthony Bennett.  The 6'3" 230# DE had 8 tackles and 3 ST tackles in 18 games with the BB in 2023.

[The Zipp]

Toronto Argonauts rule out five starters against Saskatchewan, including Wynton McManis - 3DownNation https://share.google/4GTcRYRZl86RtaqZt

Sask getting the gravy matchup again...easy sched to start the year.

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

It's the smart play.  Shiltz didn't light things up.  See if Crum got any better, he's had a few seasons now.  And if Crum sucks too, with clearly garbage OL play, then at least they know what/who to blame and can always change back to Shiltz.

Now, if Crum lights it up with the same OL, then that may finally be the (near) end for Shiltz.

Always expected more from Crum but his game just does not seem to progress, still plays the same way he did as a rookie even though he has a reasonable tool box, he's been pin holed like Streveler was.  Not as if he's dumb and can't learn anything new, he has a degree in Aeronautical Systems of Engineering Technology, so he's literally a rocket scientist.

[TecnoGenius]

Woah -- what a really odd way to fracture a leg. Looked like your standard MCL/ACL joint type issue as all he was doing was pretty routine blocking.

Totally agree.  Looking at the play I can't see how you can possibly fracture.  But since it is, now I think they really need to fine the guy who was pushing him down 30Y away from the play and past the whistle.

Clearly there was some force involved with the abuse he was taking for no reason, otherwise no bone would have broken.

CGY is really in trouble without him.  Begel is like half their O just on his own, and he draws all the coverage to open up the others.  He's like CGY's Kenny.

I guess there's a chance the pundits were/are wrong?  Any official word from CGY yet?

[Jesse]

Sask getting the gravy matchup again...easy sched to start the year.

They always start off well. Still betting they go through a mid-late season slide again.

[Stats Junkie]

from markonfootball
@calstampeders MEDICAL UPDATE:
Linebacker Marquell Lee is undergoing surgery today to repair a bicep injury
Receiver Reggie Begelton underwent surgery yesterday to repair his broken leg

[Stats Junkie]

from Pablo Herrera-Vergara
No Davis Alexander today at practice for the Alouettes. McLeod Bethel-Thompson is taking the starter reps.
Dylan Wynn is not here either.

[Blueforlife]

Former Montreal Alouettes player, coach Chandler Jones dead at 33 - 3DownNation https://share.google/YmPsNW8NJKdkgaKPI

Toronto Argonauts sign former Edmonton Elks DL J-Min Pelley - 3DownNation https://share.google/YhifzIkTs1xZWtfKt

Montreal Alouettes release two, including Canadian receiver Shedler Fervius - 3DownNation https://share.google/FNZddpnSKE6qcRd83

Hamilton Tiger-Cats sign Duke standout Ozzie Nicholas - 3DownNation https://share.google/2Sl3Lp4RIBqXyqcHf

Riders Sign Receiver Josh Ali - Saskatchewan Roughriders https://share.google/2jLNLi5eUHCajwPvP

[markf]

CFL stats geek posts some good information on Reddit.

Here's his chart for red zone opportunities /td last weekend... Zach 2 for 2

https://www.reddit.com/r/CFL/s/IqOAOfY8xS

[TBURGESS]

Harris missed the 2nd practice of the week and wasn't even seen on the sidelines. If Maier starts, a lot of folks are going to change their pick this week. 

[Pete]

Hamilton released Kylie Wilson, wonder if calgary will pick him up (he's 29) May hurt Biggies chances

[Blue In BC]

Hamilton released Kylie Wilson, wonder if calgary will pick him up (he's 29) May hurt Biggies chances

It wouldn't hurt adding him to their PR and seeing how things work out.

[Jesse]

Harris missed the 2nd practice of the week and wasn't even seen on the sidelines. If Maier starts, a lot of folks are going to change their pick this week.

concussion.

[Blueforlife]

Ottawa Redblacks sign American OL Parker Moorer, release another - 3DownNation https://3downnation.com/2025/06/25/ottawa-redblacks-sign-american-ol-parker-moorer-release-another/

[blue_gold_84]

concussion.

Can't be goods news that he was present at Tuesday's practice, but was absent yesterday.

I could also be completely wrong and it's just a coincidence. Those head injuries are brutal, though.

[gobombersgo]

Hamilton released Kylie Wilson, wonder if calgary will pick him up (he's 29) May hurt Biggies chances

https://www.stampeders.com/2025/06/26/stamps-sign-kyle-wilson/

[gobombersgo]

CFL players to wear Canadian flag patch on jerseys

TORONTO — With Canada set to mark 158 years as a nation, all Canadian Football League (CFL) players will proudly begin wearing a patch of the Canadian flag. The addition – a first in league history – comes at a time when Canadiana and red-and-white pride are flowing throughout the country and uniting communities behind the maple leaf.

Situated on the front of the jersey near the left shoulder area, the flag will be worn on all home, away and alternate jerseys as a proud reminder of the home of the CFL, with its uniquely Canadian rules and its time-honoured traditions rooted in the fabric of the country.

https://www.cfl.ca/2025/06/26/cfl-players-to-wear-canadian-flag-patch-on-jerseys/

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

CFL players to wear Canadian flag patch on jerseys

TORONTO — With Canada set to mark 158 years as a nation, all Canadian Football League (CFL) players will proudly begin wearing a patch of the Canadian flag. The addition – a first in league history – comes at a time when Canadiana and red-and-white pride are flowing throughout the country and uniting communities behind the maple leaf.

Situated on the front of the jersey near the left shoulder area, the flag will be worn on all home, away and alternate jerseys as a proud reminder of the home of the CFL, with its uniquely Canadian rules and its time-honoured traditions rooted in the fabric of the country.

https://www.cfl.ca/2025/06/26/cfl-players-to-wear-canadian-flag-patch-on-jerseys/

They used to do this, I think it was during Harper's term the league was sponsored by the Federal govt.

[GOLDMEMBER]

Can't be goods news that he was present at Tuesday's practice, but was absent yesterday.

I could also be completely wrong and it's just a coincidence. Those head injuries are brutal, though.

As a much as I hate the Riders I feel for the dude. Seems like a good hearted individual.

[Stats Junkie]

BC Lions need a new practice facility. Today they are taking a road trip to Hjorth Road Turf Field so that they can practice on turf. This despite the fact that there is a turf field (Tom Binnie Park) adjacent to the Lions practice facility - they share the parking lot.

In 2024, Tom Binnie Park failed to meet CFL standards, forcing the Lions to look elsewhere. I find it somewhat amusing that Tom Binnie Park has a note on Google Maps "the turf field is very well maintained "

[markf]

As a much as I hate the Riders I feel for the dude. Seems like a good hearted individual.

3down

"Trevor Harris was hit late by Toronto defensive tackle Jordan Williams on Friday, seemingly in retaliation for a low block that injured defensive back Kenneth George Jr. "

I looked for the hit but didn't find it.

That game was ugly.   both of those teams have been guilty of very dirty play over the last few years.

[gobombersgo]

3down

"Trevor Harris was hit late by Toronto defensive tackle Jordan Williams on Friday, seemingly in retaliation for a low block that injured defensive back Kenneth George Jr. "

I looked for the hit but didn't find it.

That game was ugly.   both of those teams have been guilty of very dirty play over the last few years.

Go to the 13 minute mark.

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

3down

"Trevor Harris was hit late by Toronto defensive tackle Jordan Williams on Friday, seemingly in retaliation for a low block that injured defensive back Kenneth George Jr. "

I looked for the hit but didn't find it.

That game was ugly.   both of those teams have been guilty of very dirty play over the last few years.

More than half the starting QBs could be out this week.

Kelly has been out all year, Brown and Alexander did not practice plus Harris and Rourke are questionable.

[Stats Junkie]

8 players fined after week 3.

Kinda surprised Willie Jefferson didn't get something for his headbutt (he acknowledged that he did it)

https://www.cfl.ca/2025/06/26/eight-players-fined-following-week-3-action/

[markf]

Thanks @Stats Junkie for the video. And time stamp which was correct.

15 yard penalty for a late hit, ball was gone, no attempt to stop.

 suitor said it was borderline conduct that should result in ejection. But it never does.

"Toronto defensive lineman Jordan Williams has been fined for delivering a late hit on Saskatchewan quarterback Trevor Harris."

[Pete]

https://www.stampeders.com/2025/06/26/stamps-sign-kyle-wilson/

Hamilton released Kylie Wilson, wonder if calgary will pick him up (he's 29) May hurt Biggies chances

Now if only Walters would listen to me

[markf]

This is cool

 "One of the best Hamilton Tiger-Cat offensive linemen of this century is rejoining the team as a minority owner.

On Wednesday, the Hamilton Sports Group announced that Marwan Hage had bought a minority stake in the ownership group, which has run the Ticats and CPL franchise Forge FC since 2022, as well as controlling the master license agreement for Hamilton Stadium.
" Since retiring from football in 2014, Hage has established himself as a successful entrepreneur and investor with a thriving real estate and restaurant portfolio across Ontario and Quebec"

https://3downnation.com/2025/06/25/former-all-star-ol-marwan-hage-becomes-minority-owner-of-hamilton-tiger-cats/

3downnation

[Stats Junkie]

Thanks @Stats Junkie for the video. And time stamp which was correct.

15 yard penalty for a late hit, ball was gone, no attempt to stop.

 suitor said it was borderline conduct that should result in ejection. But it never does.

"Toronto defensive lineman Jordan Williams has been fined for delivering a late hit on Saskatchewan quarterback Trevor Harris."

I cannot take credit for that one. It was @gobombersgo

[Blueforlife]

Ottawa Redblacks release starting OL Darta Lee, add two - 3DownNation https://share.google/PDyoBnibViOsiwtcE

[dd]

What is the story with Davis Alexander, Nathan Rourke and Dru brown, are any of these guys playing this week??

[Blueforlife]

B.C. Lions bring back QB Garrett Shrader - 3DownNation https://share.google/4yhZYraM97bstZ4ma

[Stats Junkie]

What is the story with Davis Alexander, Nathan Rourke and Dru brown, are any of these guys playing this week??

Injury Reports
Mtl - Alexander (limited). Reports from Mtl say MBT getting QB1 reps

Ott - Brown (limited). He was getting QB1 reps.

BC - Rourke (limited) Masoli (limited). Rourke getting majority of early practice reps and has been throwing longer passes this week. Brice has been getting QB1 reps later in practice. Masoli not involved with shoulder injury.

Lions also brought back Garrett Shrader. According to Farhan Lalji, Shrader was injured in training camp and the plan was to bring him back when healthy.

[dd]

Injury Reports
Mtl - Alexander (limited). Reports from Mtl say MBT getting QB1 reps

Ott - Brown (limited). He was getting QB1 reps.

BC - Rourke (limited) Masoli (limited). Rourke getting majority of early practice reps and has been throwing longer passes this week. Brice has been getting QB1 reps later in practice. Masoli not involved with shoulder injury.

Lions also brought back Garrett Shrader. According to Farhan Lalji, Shrader was injured in training camp and the plan was to bring him back when healthy.

Thanks!!

[Stats Junkie]

Davis Alexander & Austin Mack are listed as 'Out' for this week.

Farhan says Rourke took every first team rep in practice today - Lions listed him as 'limited'

Al Jakubec says Dru Brown took first team reps in practice today.

[Blue In BC]

S. Lemon is eligible to apply for reinstatement today. I don't know how long that would take but even if he is reinstated he has to serve a 2 game suspension for failing a drug test of some sort. Then he'd have to get in game shape etc.

I doubt he see's the field again at his age and the bad PR.

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

Atlantic Schooners in the news!

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/atlantic-schooners-season-ticket-deposits-refunds-1.7570881

[blue_gold_84]

Atlantic Schooners in the news!

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/atlantic-schooners-season-ticket-deposits-refunds-1.7570881

Not exactly good news, though.

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

Not exactly good news, though.

Some people lost $50, some $100!

[Blueforlife]

Samuel Emilus, Shawn Bane Jr. return to practice with Saskatchewan Roughriders - 3DownNation https://share.google/I7AblY49kMFiPRCdQ

[jayrock]

Samuel Emilus, Shawn Bane Jr. return to practice with Saskatchewan Roughriders - 3DownNation https://share.google/I7AblY49kMFiPRCdQ

this is good news for the Riders. You get these 2 back and KSB back of the 6 game and the offence gets that much better.

[GOLDMEMBER]

this is good news for the Riders. You get these 2 back and KSB back of the 6 game and the offence gets that much better.

who is KSB?

[bomb squad]

who is KSB?

You can figure that out. Finish your coffee and give it a shot.

Hint: Shake n Bake

[Sir Blue and Gold]

It rhymes with Peon Wafer Laker?

[ModAdmin]

who is KSB?

Kian SCHAFFER-BAKER, WR of note

[jayrock]

who is KSB?

Kian Schaffer-Baker sorry should have been more clear.

[GOLDMEMBER]

Kian Schaffer-Baker sorry should have been more clear.

yes you should have. No one keeps track of Rider name acronyms. 

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

Support LaPo's YouTube channel, he's the only one providing in depth analysis of CFL game play.

Using CFL Motion in the Pass Game. Hamilton Tiger Cats. 

[Blueforlife]

B.C. Lions open upper deck for Week 7 game against Saskatchewan Roughriders - 3DownNation https://share.google/BFEvg90D5XT3VLUJj

Roughriders lose another offensive lineman to injury | Regina Leader Post https://share.google/f3TLC2zQXvZq9QSzW

[TecnoGenius]

who is KSB?

Says someone who clearly did't play fantasy football in KSB's rookie year! 

(Since then, not so important)