Football – Winnipeg Free Press

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / FREE PRESS
Riders QB Trevor Harris (above) broke into the CFL in 2012 with Bombers QB Zach Collaros.

Veteran CFL QBs aging well

Taylor Allen 5 minute read Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025

It’s hard to believe the Toronto Argonauts once had Ricky Ray, Jarious Jackson, Zach Collaros and Trevor Harris all in their quarterback room in 2012.

If you ask Harris, it’s even harder to believe he and Collaros — who broke into the CFL that season together as rookies — are still in the three-down loop today slinging it.

“I remember our first year in the league, we (were leaving after the season) and Swayze Waters (the Argos kicker at the time) was like ‘Man, we’re never going to see Zach Collaros ever again,’” said Harris.

“Because he was ready to go home. He was like ‘I’m done, I’m ready to get out of here.’ And here he is all this time later. I thought he’d get into coaching a little bit sooner, but he’s really turned himself into a first ballot hall-of-famer. He’s been absolutely incredible.”

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Riders O-lineman says playing in Winnipeg helped make him a man

Taylor Allen 7 minute read Preview

Riders O-lineman says playing in Winnipeg helped make him a man

Taylor Allen 7 minute read Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025

Peeking out of Jermarcus Hardrick’s Saskatchewan Roughriders Grey Cup hoodie on Wednesday was a tattoo that you wouldn’t expect to see on someone in green and white.

Displayed on his left forearm is the Grey Cup trophy, featuring the Winnipeg Blue Bombers logo and their unofficial mantra: FIFO — which stands for Fit in or F-off.

Hardrick, a standout right tackle for the Bombers from 2016-23, got inked shortly after Winnipeg captured the top prize in Canadian football in 2019. He wasn’t the only one.

“We literally got (to the tattoo parlour) at eight in the morning and we left by midnight. Every other hour a truck (with players) was pulling up… and next thing I know we looked up and everyone had blood on their arms,” said Hardrick during media day at the RBC Convention Centre.

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Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025

Alouettes’ Philpot looks to replicate 2023 Grey Cup impact

Joshua Frey-Sam 5 minute read Preview

Alouettes’ Philpot looks to replicate 2023 Grey Cup impact

Joshua Frey-Sam 5 minute read Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025

The last time Tyson Philpot was in this spot, he left a champion and a hero.

It’s a day that Winnipeg Blue Bombers fans would rather forget, but it’s hard to erase the image of Philpot coralling a touchdown that gave the Montreal Alouettes the lead (and the win soon after) with 11 seconds remaining in the 110th Grey Cup.

The catch, made by a 23-year-old, second-year pro, stymied the Bombers from reaching dynasty status for the second year in a row.

It also elevated the Delta, B.C. product to prominence. He was named the Grey Cup’s Most Valuable Canadian on that night and, two years later, Philpot, now 25, is regarded as one of the brightest homegrown talents in the CFL.

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Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025

Chris Young / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES
Montreal Alouettes receiver Tyson Philpot celebrates his game-winning touchdown in the 110th Grey Cup.

Long week of rehab for Alouettes’ Alexander

Joshua Frey-Sam 5 minute read Preview

Long week of rehab for Alouettes’ Alexander

Joshua Frey-Sam 5 minute read Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025

No limp. No restrictions. No problem?

Montreal Alouettes quarterback Davis Alexander was a full-go as the club practised for the first time as a part of their Grey Cup preparations on Wednesday.

Dealing with a season-long hamstring injury that flared up in last week’s Eastern final, all eyes were on the star pivot as he went through drills at Princess Auto Stadium. Alexander, who, albeit, didn’t take off running at any point, looked comfortable while working from the pocket, stepping into short and deep throws as he normally does.

“Better than expected. I’ll tell you that — better than I expected, just because I think I’m finally not sore… from the Hamilton game. So that helps a little bit,” Alexander said. “I felt great. This is playoff football, and I’ll be ready to go.”

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Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025

Frank Gunn / THE CANADIAN PRESS
Montreal Alouettes quarterback Davis Alexander had seven carries in the Eastern final against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.

Bombers’ Kramdi will have more than 20 family members in stands for East semifinal

Taylor Allen 6 minute read Preview

Bombers’ Kramdi will have more than 20 family members in stands for East semifinal

Taylor Allen 6 minute read Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025

It’s playoff football in Redha Kramdi’s hometown, and he’ll have 20-plus family members and friends in the crowd to cheer him on.

Surely, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers dime back must feel at least some pressure heading into Saturday’s East Division semifinal in Montreal against the Alouettes.

“It’s a game. I’ve been through so much in life that this is a privilege to be here,” said Kramdi earlier this week. “I would be a fool to be stressed or feel pressure about playing playoff football.”

As the son of Algerian immigrants, Kramdi learned at a young age what real pressure looks like. The family was situated in a rough area of Montreal and his parents worked two, sometimes three jobs to provide a better life for their four kids.

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Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025

John Woods / THE CANADIAN PRESS files
Redha Kramdi (right) grew up in Montreal as one of four children of hard-working immigrant parents.

Bombers’ Vaval named Most Outstanding Rookie, Special Teams Player finalist

Taylor Allen 2 minute read Preview

Bombers’ Vaval named Most Outstanding Rookie, Special Teams Player finalist

Taylor Allen 2 minute read Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025

The accolades continue to pour in for Trey Vaval.

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers return specialist was named the West Division’s representative for both the Most Outstanding Rookie and Most Outstanding Special Teams Player awards on Thursday.

Toronto Argonauts kicker Lirim Hajrullahu (special teams) and Hamilton Tiger-Cats linebacker Devin Veresuk (rookie) are the finalists coming out of the East Division.

Vaval led the CFL in punt returns (75), punt return yards (957), missed field goal return yards (391), and return touchdowns (two on kickoffs, one via punt, and one missed field goal return). He also made four starts at cornerback this season where he recorded 21 defensive tackles and picked off a pass against Montreal on Aug. 21.

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Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025

JOHN WOODS / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES
Winnipeg Blue Bombers’ Trey Vaval set a franchise record in September when he returned a 128-yard missed field goal for a touchdown against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.

A lot on the line in CFL’s final week

Jeff Hamilton 7 minute read Preview

A lot on the line in CFL’s final week

Jeff Hamilton 7 minute read Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025

With only one week left in the CFL regular season, there’s still plenty to figure out before the playoffs begin.

The Saskatchewan Roughriders are the only club in the league that heads into Week 21 knowing its fate. At 12-5, win or lose this week, the Riders will finish with the league’s best record and atop the West Division.

We already know the other five teams joining Saskatchewan in the post-season, but we don’t know where they’ll end up. That includes figuring out which West team will be crossing over to the East Division.

While there are several different ways this weekend could unfold, it’s best to start with the teams that control their own destiny.

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Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025

Spencer Colby / THE CANADIAN PRESS files
Edmonton quarterback Cody Fajardo was key to the Elks turnaround this season.

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Demski expected to be ready for playoffs

Taylor Allen 1 minute read Preview

Demski expected to be ready for playoffs

Taylor Allen 1 minute read Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2025

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers are expecting a much-needed boost for the post-season.

Head coach Mike O’Shea revealed to reporters after Tuesday’s practice that the team anticipates star receiver Nic Demski (hamstring) will be ready to go two weeks from now when they’re on the road for the West or East semifinal.

Demski pulled up lame on a deep pass attempt in Oct. 11’s 25-20 loss in Edmonton and went on to miss last week’s 17-16 win over Saskatchewan.

O’Shea said Demski, who has been a non-participant at practice this week, won’t play in Saturday’s regular season finale against Montreal.

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Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2025

Heywood Yu / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES
The Winnipeg Blue Bombers anticipate injured receiver Nic Demski will be able to play in two weeks time when the team is playing in the division semifinal.

First-year OC Hogan asks for patience

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First-year OC Hogan asks for patience

Taylor Allen 5 minute read Wednesday, Sep. 17, 2025

The offensive co-ordinator can be one of the most criticized roles in all pro sports — especially in a football-crazed market.

The criticism usually comes from the stands, and first-year Blue Bombers OC Jason Hogan has certainly heard an earful from paying customers. But on Tuesday, a subtle shot came from his star running back Brady Oliveira.

“I think maybe us players could be put in some better situations to succeed as well so that it always doesn’t fall on the player,” said Oliveira, when asked for his opinion on the negative reviews surrounding the play of backup quarterback Chris Streveler.

Hogan addressed reporters Wednesday and had no issue with Oliveira’s remark.

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Wednesday, Sep. 17, 2025

Ruth Bonneville / Free Press Files
Winnipeg Blue Bombers offensive co-ordinator Jason Hogan (second right) said Wednesday it’s been humbling for him so far this season — even without running back Brady Oliveira’s recent comments (right) — but overall it’s been “an awesome experience.”

Bombers receiver arrested after high-speed chase in Arkansas

Adam Treusch 3 minute read Preview

Bombers receiver arrested after high-speed chase in Arkansas

Adam Treusch 3 minute read Thursday, Nov. 27, 2025

A Blue Bombers wide receiver set to become a free agent this winter was arrested after a high-speed chase in Arkansas last week.

NEA Report, a news service in northeast Arkansas, said court documents show Dillon Mitchell, 28, was arrested Nov. 17. Part of an affidavit by state trooper Cpl. Jeffrey Irvin posted on NEA report’s website states that a chase involving a black Ford Mustang started in Lawrence County.

Irvin said he saw the car speed past him on U.S. Route 63 and tried to stop it, but the driver kept going at speeds of more than 160 km/h. The driver passed vehicles on the shoulder, went through a stop light and narrowly missed a truck, the affidavit said.

The driver lost control while trying to take an exit along a different highway, and the car hit a metal sign. He has been charged with eight offences, including a felony charge of fleeing police and driving-related offences, the affidavit states.

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Thursday, Nov. 27, 2025

JOHN WOODS / CANADIAN PRESS FILES
Blue Bombers receiver Dillon Mitchell catches a touchdown pass against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats at Princess Auto Stadium on Sept. 27.

Dolphins seeking to extend win streak to 3 games, but will have to solve Saints’ secondary to do so

The Associated Press 5 minute read Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2025

New Orleans (2-9) at Miami (4-7)

Sunday, 1 p.m. EST, Fox.

BetMGM NFL odds: Dolphins by 5 1/2.

Against the spread: Saints 3-8, Dolphins 6-5.

Bills QB Josh Allen experiencing overall soreness as he returns to practice after 8-sack outing

John Wawrow, The Associated Press 2 minute read Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2025

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) — With protective tape covering the back of his forearm and throwing elbow, quarterback Josh Allen was scheduled to practice fully on Wednesday despite experiencing what coach Sean McDermott referred to as “overall soreness.”

And that doesn’t include Allen complaining about hurting his left shoulder during a 23-19 loss at Houston on Thursday, in an outing when he was sacked a career-high eight times. Allen is scheduled to address the media later in the day as Buffalo (7-4) prepares to travel to play Pittsburgh (6-5) on Sunday.

What could be more concerning for Allen is that Buffalo could be missing his top two protectors.

Left tackle Dion Dawkins is in the concussion protocol. McDermott said Dawkins was evaluated for a concussion and cleared to return during the game before experiencing symptoms a day later.

Bombers’ GM well aware of needed changes for club to get back to winning ways

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Bombers’ GM well aware of needed changes for club to get back to winning ways

Taylor Allen 7 minute read Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2025

Where do the Winnipeg Blue Bombers go from here?

Their starting quarterback isn’t getting any younger, the offensive line is starting to show cracks, their star running back isn’t guaranteed to return, their best receiver is recovering from another major knee injury, and around a dozen starters on defence could potentially hit free agency.

Returning to Grey Cup glory doesn’t seem so simple.

One of the key people tasked with getting the organization back to contender status is general manager Kyle Walters. He spoke to a room of reporters on Wednesday fresh off signing a three-year contract extension.

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Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2025

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / FREE PRESS
Winnipeg Blue Bombers general manager Kyle Walters spoke to the media for the first time on Wednesday after signing a three-year contract extension with the club.

Bombers president/CEO Miller receives Commissioner’s Award

Taylor Allen 2 minute read Preview

Bombers president/CEO Miller receives Commissioner’s Award

Taylor Allen 2 minute read Monday, Nov. 17, 2025

Winnipeg Blue Bombers president and CEO Wade Miller was named the recipient of the CFL’s Commissioner Award prior to Grey Cup kickoff.

The award is presented annually to an individual or group that has made an outstanding contribution to Canadian football.

Under Miller’s leadership, the Bombers have played in front of crowds exceeding 30,000 a league-leading 33 times since 2018. In 2025, the club finished first in attendance for a fourth straight year and sold out every game for the first time in franchise history.

Sunday’s Grey Cup was also a sellout.

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Monday, Nov. 17, 2025

Bombers president/CEO Miller receives Commissioner’s Award

O’Shea, Walters staying put with Bombers

Joshua Frey-Sam 2 minute read Preview

O’Shea, Walters staying put with Bombers

Joshua Frey-Sam 2 minute read Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025

Mike O’Shea isn’t going anywhere. Neither is Kyle Walters.

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers inked their head coach and general manager to new contracts on Friday, ending any debate about whether they would be back in 2026.

Both were on deals that were set to expire. The terms of their new contracts were not disclosed.

O’Shea returns for his 12th season as the Bombers’ bench boss, though it didn’t come without some drama. Earlier this week, the product of North Bay, Ont., flew to Toronto to interview for the Argonauts head coaching vacancy. It was later reported that the Hamilton Tiger-Cats also requested to speak with the 55-year-old.

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Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025

O’Shea, Walters staying put with Bombers

Alouettes’ Rice seeks Grey Cup three-peat

Joshua Frey-Sam 6 minute read Preview

Alouettes’ Rice seeks Grey Cup three-peat

Joshua Frey-Sam 6 minute read Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025

Landon Rice had fully immersed himself in his construction business when the Montreal Alouettes called last month to add a player whose built a reputation for being nastier than a rusty nail.

At the time, the 37-year-old Brandon product was, by his account, “absolutely” retired, renovating homes around Hamilton, Ont., where he, his wife and four children have called home for the last decade.

However, with the Alouettes low on Canadian talent in the trenches, Rice, who spent four years (2019-23) in La belle province, became a sensible target on the free agency wire.

“When the names were floating around of who to bring in, he was on top of the list, and everybody was excited to bring him back. So that tells you all you need to know about the why, and very grateful and thankful to have him,” said Alouettes head coach Jason Maas. “And he’s in shape. Obviously, renovating keeps you in shape.”

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Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025

December 6, 2025

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