CFL (Non-Bombers) 2026 season news

[Waffler]

Uh, wha? If we win our game, doesn't ssk have to win theirs or possible be out? Or certainly lower seeded.

This will guarantee us 3rd if we win then! Makes no sense.

Sask does not have to win. They are in the playoffs.   BUT no matter the outcome of our game if Sask loses they get 4th not 3rd. All I can think of is it matters less who they play than having a healthy Harris.

Starting to look like if we win we get 3rd, if we lose Calgary gets 3rd.

[Ridermania]

Bombers will win against BC and then get to play them again the following week.

[Jesse]

Uh, wha? If we win our game, doesn't ssk have to win theirs or possible be out? Or certainly lower seeded.

This will guarantee us 3rd if we win then! Makes no sense.

They have clinched the play-offs. They will be a road play-off team regardless of if they win or lose this week.

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

They may be expecting the Bombers to lose.

I think the Riders prefer taking the Eastern route if they're not getting a home game, they don't have the confidence they can beat the Elks or the Lions vs. the Argos.

[Jesse]

I think the Riders prefer taking the Eastern route if they're not getting a home game, they don't have the confidence they can beat the Elks or the Lions vs. the Argos.

I think they'd prefer to be in the West if they had the choice, but the difference isn't large enough to risk injury in the final week of the season.

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

I think they'd prefer to be in the West if they had the choice, but the difference isn't large enough to risk injury in the final week of the season.

I haven't seen anything yet but I imagine it could be based on who the Elks are resting too, no reason for any of their starters to play. Should be a good opportunity to preview Taylor Powell.

[bluebeard]

Looks like Coan will be starting for the Riders with Schlager relieving him at some point.  WHO are they??  Harris is apparently resting for the playoffs.  Exhibition game.

[Stats Junkie]

NEWELL SUSPENDED NINE GAMES FOR VIOLATING CFL/CFLPA DRUG POLICY

Edmonton defensive lineman receives ban for second violation

TORONTO (October 22, 2026) – Under the Canadian Football League (CFL) and the CFL Players' Association's joint drug policy, Edmonton defensive lineman Darien Newell has been suspended for nine games, effective immediately, after testing positive for the banned substances GW501516 and Drostanolone in May 2026.

Newell appealed the result and his case was referred to an independent arbitrator, who subsequently dismissed his appeal and imposed the nine-game suspension on October 21.

Players who violate the policy receive a two-game suspension for a first violation, a nine-game suspension for a second, a one-year suspension for a third, and a lifetime ban for a fourth.

Newell received a first violation after testing positive for nine banned substances while taking part in the 2025 CFL Combine. As a prospect at the time, he was deemed ineligible to sign a CFL contract for one calendar year after being selected by the Edmonton Elks in the 2025 CFL Canadian Draft. Newell's test in May 2026 was conducted under the policy's Doping Control Program, which is imposed on players who have previously incurred a violation.

Under the policy, suspended players cannot participate in regular season or post-season games. It is at the Club's discretion whether to allow players to participate in other team activities, such as training camp, pre-season games, practices or meetings.

All players are subject to mandatory drug testing following a violation of the policy. Following a second violation, players are also required to participate in remedial education, as well as an assessment and clinical evaluation to determine if additional counselling is required.

https://press.cfl.ca/newell-suspended-nine-games-for-violating-cflcflpa-drug-policy

[Blue In BC]

NEWELL SUSPENDED NINE GAMES FOR VIOLATING CFL/CFLPA DRUG POLICY

Edmonton defensive lineman receives ban for second violation

TORONTO (October 22, 2026) – Under the Canadian Football League (CFL) and the CFL Players' Association's joint drug policy, Edmonton defensive lineman Darien Newell has been suspended for nine games, effective immediately, after testing positive for the banned substances GW501516 and Drostanolone in May 2026.

Newell appealed the result and his case was referred to an independent arbitrator, who subsequently dismissed his appeal and imposed the nine-game suspension on October 21.

Players who violate the policy receive a two-game suspension for a first violation, a nine-game suspension for a second, a one-year suspension for a third, and a lifetime ban for a fourth.

Newell received a first violation after testing positive for nine banned substances while taking part in the 2025 CFL Combine. As a prospect at the time, he was deemed ineligible to sign a CFL contract for one calendar year after being selected by the Edmonton Elks in the 2025 CFL Canadian Draft. Newell's test in May 2026 was conducted under the policy's Doping Control Program, which is imposed on players who have previously incurred a violation.

Under the policy, suspended players cannot participate in regular season or post-season games. It is at the Club's discretion whether to allow players to participate in other team activities, such as training camp, pre-season games, practices or meetings.

All players are subject to mandatory drug testing following a violation of the policy. Following a second violation, players are also required to participate in remedial education, as well as an assessment and clinical evaluation to determine if additional counselling is required.

https://press.cfl.ca/newell-suspended-nine-games-for-violating-cflcflpa-drug-policy

Good chance he's released during the off season. Obviously he'd miss half of next season right off the bat.