Official Game Day Thread - Calgary@Winnipeg, July 24, 2026

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Redha Kramdi out for Winnipeg Blue Bombers against Calgary
by John Hodge  July 23, 2026

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers will be without veteran defensive back Redha Kramdi when they host the Calgary Stampeders on Friday night. The team released its official depth chart on Thursday morning.

The 29-year-old was unable to practice this week due to a hand injury and has been placed on the six-game injured list. He has made 21 defensive tackles, two forced fumbles, and one interception over six starts at safety this season.

The five-foot-eleven, 198-pound native of Montreal has played 78 regular-season games with the Blue Bomber since he was taken in the second round of the 2021 CFL Draft. He has recorded 158 defensive tackles, 18 special teams tackles, five sacks, three forced fumbles, and one interception with the team.

Kramdi will be replaced at safety by Jake Kelly, who has made nine defensive tackles and two special teams tackles in a depth role this year. Originally selected in the second round of the 2023 CFL Draft out of Bishop's University, Kelly has made 17 defensive tackles, 14 special teams tackles, and one forced fumble over 37 career regular-season games with the Blue Bombers.

Dru Brown will make a third-straight start at quarterback, as Zach Collaros remains on the six-game injured list. The 29-year-old has thrown for 656 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception since being acquired from the Ottawa Redblacks via trade.

Winnipeg also has several players set to return after completing stints on the six-game injured list

Third-year receiver Kevens Clercius (knee), defensive lineman Tanner Schmekel (calf), linebacker Lane Novak (knee), and defensive back Ethan Ball (thigh) will all dress in depth roles at their respective positions. Clercius has previously started at field-side wideout, though he is listed as the backup behind Gavin Cobb.

Matthew Jackson will also make his regular-season CFL debut in a depth role at strong-side linebacker after being promoted from the practice roster.

The 27-year-old played 11 regular-season games with the Tennessee Titans and Jacksonville Jaguars prior to joining Winnipeg's practice roster late last year. He played collegiately at Eastern Kentucky University, where he recorded 294 total tackles, 27.5 tackles for loss, eight sacks, three forced fumbles, 14 pass breakups, and two interceptions, earning two first-team All-Conference selections.

In corresponding moves, the Blue Bombers have placed receiver Joey Corcoran, defensive lineman Kydran Jenkins, linebacker Charles-Elliot Bouliane, and defensive back Ethan Stuart on the practice roster.

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers (4-2) will host the Calgary Stampeders (2-4) at Princess Auto Stadium on Friday, July 24 with kickoff scheduled for 8:30 p.m. EDT. The Stampeders lost to the Montreal Alouettes in a failed comeback bid this past week, while the Blue Bombers defeated the Ottawa Redblacks in overtime.

The weather forecast in Winnipeg calls for a high of 29 degrees and a 60 percent chance of showers. The game will be broadcast on TSN and RDS2 in Canada and CFL+ internationally. Radio listeners can tune in on 770 CHQR in Calgary or 680 CJOB in Winnipeg.

https://3downnation.com/2026/07/23/redha-kramdi-out-for-winnipeg-blue-bombers-against-calgary/

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Damien Alford to dress for Calgary Stampeders against Winnipeg
by 3Down Staff  July 23, 2026

It didn't take long for Damien Alford to crack the active roster with the Calgary Stampeders, as he'll dress against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on Friday night just two days after rejoining the team following an NFL stint. Calgary released its official depth chart on Thursday morning.

The 25-year-old played two regular-season games against the Blue Bombers in 2025 and dominated, making four catches for 101 yards and three touchdowns. He finished the year with 20 receptions for 407 yards and five scores.

The six-foot-five, 224-pound target signed with the New Orleans Saints in January but was waived last month. The receiver told the media on Wednesday there was a chance he could dress this week despite having such a short timeline leading into the game. He was the first overall pick in the 2025 CFL Draft.

Alford will dress in a depth role behind field-side wide receiver Clark Barnes, though slotback Dejon Brissett is listed as a game-time decision. Brissett was limited in practice on Wednesday due to a hamstring injury and was listed as questionable on Calgary's official injury report.

The Stampeders have also made two changes in their secondary, as Jaydon Grant and Ben Labrosse are listed as starters.

Grant missed the team's last three games due to an ankle injury and has returned to his spot at field-side halfback, where he made 10 defensive tackles over three games to start the year. Labrosse, the team's first-round pick in the 2024 CFL Draft, will start at field-side cornerback in place of Adrian Greene, who has been placed on the one-game injured list with an eye injury.

Rookie defensive back Ashton Miller-Melancon has been promoted from the practice roster, while veteran offensive lineman Tomas Jack-Kurdyla has been moved to the reserve roster.

The Calgary Stampeders (2-4) will visit the Winnipeg Blue Bombers (4-2) at Princess Auto Stadium on Friday, July 24 with kickoff scheduled for 8:30 p.m. EDT. The Stampeders lost to the Montreal Alouettes in a failed comeback bid this past week, while the Blue Bombers defeated the Ottawa Redblacks in overtime.

The weather forecast in Winnipeg calls for a high of 29 degrees and a 60 percent chance of showers. The game will be broadcast on TSN and RDS2 in Canada and CFL+ internationally. Radio listeners can tune in on 770 CHQR in Calgary or 680 CJOB in Winnipeg.

https://3downnation.com/2026/07/23/damien-alford-to-dress-for-calgary-stampeders-against-winnipeg/

[blue_gold_84]

Is Alford in game shape? I sure hope not.

[dd]

We didn't have an answer for Alford in the past - that is the truth...it matters.

Do we have someone we can cover him this season - maybe (I hope so) but the past is a relevant data point.

Agree. Some people like to live in denial. I'd lock Holm on Alford otherwise, expect a big day from the 6'6" reciever.

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

Agree. Some people like to live in denial. I'd lock Holm on Alford otherwise, expect a big day from the 6'6" reciever.

They won't do that unless he runs at Holm, best they can do is have Kelly or maybe that Jackson guy tracking him and helping out.

[Pigskin]

Kramdi to the 6 game, that will hurt. This will be a good test for Kelly who has played well that last 3-4 games. MJ38 added to the roster. 6'1" 210. Not much info on this Jackson.  Nice to see Novak make it back into the line up.

[blue_gold_84]

Kramdi to the 6-game is some pretty unfortunate news.

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[Pigskin]

Looks like 27 at kick off, air quality moderate, very little wind, 65% humidity. Nice night for a W.

[Blueforlife]

We didn't have an answer for Alford in the past - that is the truth...it matters.

Do we have someone we can cover him this season - maybe (I hope so) but the past is a relevant data point.

I am one not as worried and also not as focused on what one played did to a different roster.  If he hurts us tomorrow yes its a big factor, otherwise a nothing burger until its served lol

Speaking of data points, guy has 400 yards in the CFL and 80 and 20 yards against a different D. Let's not get ahead of ourselves.  The relevance of that stat lines is highly debatable

Agree. Some people like to live in denial. I'd lock Holm on Alford otherwise, expect a big day from the 6'6" reciever.

I'll put 2 to 1 odds that he doesn't have big day tomorrow

Their air attack likely will

Way "bigger" fish to fry on Cgy than a guy who just got there

Aka
Jalen Philpot 40 407 4
Aka Mr Mills

Nobody is in denial as you claim.  Not a fair or accurate statement.  Just two folks on the other side of an argument.  No need to make it personal

Is Alford in game shape? I sure hope not.

Will be a big factor but also will be very green

Game is one in the trenches and how Kelly does will be big a factor imo

Frustrate VA and turn on bad mode and we should be ok

Let him have time to run around like a chicken and get deep balls, might be a long night

Good even matchup but they are going to be HUNGRY

[Jesse]

Alford had 3 TDs on 4 receptions against us in 2 games.