Blue Bombers add lineman to roster

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

TC rosters are limited to the number of players allowed. So whether a player is an OL or a receiver doesn't mean anything.

You need to have multiple sets of 5 at several positions in order to run drills and test the skill sets of players.

IIRC we usually have about 15 OL at TC. At the moment we have a higher number than that but some will be released before TC as the dust settles. Some will decide not to attend etc etc.

OTOH, we have had a higher than usual focus on the sheer number of candidates. That may just be due to having about 5 or 6 as potential free agents today. Once we start re-signing then we may see some rookies released. Or they may make the mini camp but not the main TC.

Everyone looks good on paper but some will arrive out of shape for the CFL. Others may not pass medical issues and others may show slowing learning curves in the 1st few days. As we know, early TC injuries can quickly eliminate candidates.

15 seems high, I think in years past they brought in around 10 O-linemen when there was realistically no more than one opening available.

The roster from 2025 TC lists 11.

https://static.cfl.ca/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/WINNIPEG-AT-SASKATCHEWAN_-MAY-30.pdf

[Blue In BC]

15 seems high, I think in years past they brought in around 10 O-linemen when there was realistically no more than one opening available.

The roster from 2025 TC lists 11.

https://static.cfl.ca/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/WINNIPEG-AT-SASKATCHEWAN_-MAY-30.pdf

I showed 14 OL before the main camp and 12  at main TC.  Either way, we've been active adding OL. It's also a question of when we added them. In this case it's before we know the status of free agency or the status of Lofton's injury by May.

In 2025, Wallace, Eli and Lofton were not potential free agents. Bryant had extended on Dec 2 and is often one of the 1st to re-sign. So I don't know if 2025 was the norm number or what to expect by having 5 OL currently as potential free agents.  The age of some of our OL is in question as to whether they will or should be re-signed.

I was only not expecting Lofton to return due to injury status but it's all just speculation until somebody signs.

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

I showed 14 OL before the main camp and 12  at main TC.  Either way, we've been active adding OL. It's also a question of when we added them. In this case it's before we know the status of free agency or the status of Lofton's injury by May.

In 2025, Wallace, Eli and Lofton were not potential free agents. Bryant had extended on Dec 2 and is often one of the 1st to re-sign. So I don't know if 2025 was the norm number or what to expect by having 5 OL currently as potential free agents.  The age of some of our OL is in question as to whether they will or should be re-signed.

I was only not expecting Lofton to return due to injury status but it's all just speculation until somebody signs.

Some years they brought in almost no competion at O-line because no jobs were up for grab, but looks like they'll put in a concerted effort to evaluate their imports squarely this year and give more players a real shot.  Can't see them moving away from Wallace or Neufeld, but everyone else may be at risk of being replaced.

[Blue In BC]

Some years they brought in almost no competion at O-line because no jobs were up for grab, but looks like they'll put in a concerted effort to evaluate their imports squarely this year and give more players a real shot.  Can't see them moving away from Wallace or Neufeld, but everyone else may be at risk of being replaced.

I'm surprised we haven't re-signed any of our OL yet. That isn't necessarily a bad thing but it is a bit curious. In that sense we may see some changes forced or otherwise including the potential for 3 starting imports.

Every new re-signing that happens starts to indicate the puzzle coming together.

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

I'm surprised we haven't re-signed any of our OL yet. That isn't necessarily a bad thing but it is a bit curious. In that sense we may see some changes forced or otherwise including the potential for 3 starting imports.

Every new re-signing that happens starts to indicate the puzzle coming together.

Wallace, Vanterpool and Randolph are still under contract, not that means their jobs are safe.

[Blue In BC]

Wallace, Vanterpool and Randolph are still under contract, not that means their jobs are safe.

Vanterpool might be at the greatest risk for an OL under contract. 8 games in 2 seasons and lots of OL being signed.

Bryant usually re-signs by mid January.

Lofton injury status is unknown to me but either way is a TBD.

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

Vanterpool might be at the greatest risk for an OL under contract. 8 games in 2 seasons and lots of OL being signed.

Bryant usually re-signs by mid January.

Lofton injury status is unknown to me but either way is a TBD.

Fact is Vanterpool spent a lot of time on the 1 game IR while Randolph was playing ROT, but he could still be the superior OG of the two. I expect them to keep both.

[Blue In BC]

Fact is Vanterpool spent a lot of time on the 1 game IR while Randolph was playing ROT, but he could still be the superior OG of the two. I expect them to keep both.

Possible but the 1st question is whether they think Lofton is better than one or the other and whether he gets re-signed. We need a couple for the PR at the least.

Can never tell when we find the next Bryant for example.