Football

Bomber Report

Former Bisons quarterback valued by Elks

Taylor Allen 5 minute read Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026

EDMONTON — Des Catellier may have been a young quarterback for the Manitoba Bisons, but Cody Fajardo saw the makings of a future coach.

It was 2019, when Fajardo was with the Saskatchewan Roughriders and Catellier attended training camp with the team as part of the CFL QB Internship Program.

“He was one of the only U Sports guys that really came in and knew the whole playbook,” Fajardo, now the starting pivot for the Edmonton Elks, told the Free Press on Thursday.

“He could go in and rep just about any play on offence.”

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Bomber Report

Bombers still control post-season destiny

Taylor Allen 6 minute read Preview

Bombers still control post-season destiny

Taylor Allen 6 minute read Friday, Oct. 9, 2026

Jake Ceresna was confident he was putting pen to paper with a Grey Cup contender.

When the star defensive tackle signed with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in free agency back in February, did he foresee any scenario in which they’d be under .500 at this point in the season and in danger of missing the playoffs?

“That’s a good question,” Ceresna admitted after Wednesday’s closed practice.

“Obviously, at the beginning of the year, you think you’re gonna go 18-0. But the reality of life is there’s roller-coasters. There’s going to be hard times, there’s going to be good times. We’re in the valley right now and we just have to come out of it and get back to the peak.”

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Friday, Oct. 9, 2026

Bomber Report

Zach is back

Taylor Allen 5 minute read Preview

Zach is back

Taylor Allen 5 minute read Friday, Oct. 9, 2026

You can knock Zach Collaros down, but he’s going to get back up.

The starting quarterback for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers was a full participant at Thursday’s practice — a first since suffering a head injury in the Banjo Bowl.

The 38-year-old will be under centre when the Blue and Gold (7-8) host the Calgary Stampeders (8-8) on Saturday.

Considering his well-documented history of injuries above the shoulders, there’s been a lot of speculation on the outside about whether Collaros would — or should — return this season.

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Friday, Oct. 9, 2026

Bomber Report

Longtime voice of the Blue and Gold marks major milestone

David Sanderson 8 minute read Preview

Longtime voice of the Blue and Gold marks major milestone

David Sanderson 8 minute read Friday, Oct. 9, 2026

Bob McGregor made his debut as the Winnipeg Blue Bombers’ public-address announcer on June 7, 1997, during a pre-season game at Winnipeg Stadium between the hometown Blue Bombers and their western rivals, the Calgary Stampeders.

McGregor will be behind the microphone again this Saturday, detailing the action on the field in addition to leading a boisterous Princess Auto Stadium crowd through what has become his signature call, “And that is another Winnipeg Blue Bombers first down!” The Bombers’ final home date of the 2026 regular season will mark a major milestone for McGregor, and the former newscaster feels it’s only fitting the same two teams as 10,717 days ago — the Bombers and Stampeders — will be the ones butting helmets.

“I knew at the start of the season I was closing in on 300 games as the PA guy, only it wasn’t until I went through the schedule that I realized my 300th would be Winnipeg-Calgary, which struck me as kind of cool,” McGregor says, seated in a St. James breakfast nook, dressed in dark trousers and a blue-and-gold Blue Bombers golf shirt.

“I don’t remember much about that ‘97 game, it all seemed to happen so fast,” he says of what turned out to be a 24-20 Bombers loss in front of 23,438 fans. “But since 300 games doesn’t come along every day, I promise to do my best to remember this one.”

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Friday, Oct. 9, 2026

NFL

With confident Penix at QB, Falcons will look to continue turnaround against Ravens

Charles Odumf, The Associated Press 5 minute read Friday, Oct. 9, 2026

ATLANTA (AP) — The Atlanta Falcons will be looking to build upon their dramatic turnaround since Michael Penix Jr. took over at quarterback when they play the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday night.

After scoring a combined 16 points while opening the season with two losses, the Falcons (2-2) have scored a combined 80 points with Penix back as the starter.

Bijan Robinson remains the star of the offense as one of the NFL's leading rushers. Penix has completed 73.3% of his passes in his return from a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee that ended his 2025 season. Penix's accuracy has been impressive and he has thrown only one interception while passing for two touchdowns.

The efficient play from Penix has seemed to boost the production from Robinson, who ran for 145 yards and two touchdowns in a 45-24 win at New Orleans on Monday night. Brian Robinson Jr. ran for three touchdowns.

NFL

Jets’ offense will be without Breece Hall, Adonai Mitchell and Dylan Parham vs. Browns

Dennis Waszak Jr., The Associated Press 4 minute read Friday, Oct. 9, 2026

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) — The New York Jets ruled out running back Breece Hall, wide receiver Adonai Mitchell and left guard Dylan Parham on Friday for their game against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday.

Coach Aaron Glenn said he likes “exactly where they're trending” in their recovery from injuries, but the Jets will be without three offensive starters as they try to snap a three-game skid.

Hall missed last week's loss at Chicago with a quadriceps injury that occurred the week before at Detroit. It'll also be the second game in a row that Parham will be sidelined after he hurt a knee against the Lions.

Mitchell will miss a third straight game after injuring a finger during practice. Glenn has been evasive about the nature of the injury, which he said happened when Mitchell caught a finger in a jersey. But the coach initially didn't seem to think it would be serious after it happened two weeks ago.

NFL

Mike Ditka tributes pour in from former President Obama, Chicago’s sports teams and around the NFL

The Associated Press 7 minute read Preview

Mike Ditka tributes pour in from former President Obama, Chicago’s sports teams and around the NFL

The Associated Press 7 minute read Friday, Oct. 9, 2026

Mike Ditka was “Iron Mike” as a player who revolutionized the tight end position and later became the easily recognizable and often imitated fiery, mustached and sweater vest-wearing “Da Coach” of the Chicago Bears during a Super Bowl-winning tenure.

Ditka died Friday at 86, his family announced in a statement.

The Pro Football Hall of Famer was remembered by the sports world and beyond for his impact on the game as both a player and a coach, and later as a TV analyst.

Here are some notable reactions to Ditka's death and tributes to his legacy:

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Friday, Oct. 9, 2026

NFL

Nick Sirianni and Jalen Hurts are facing their toughest test with the Eagles

Rob Maaddi, The Associated Press 6 minute read Friday, Oct. 9, 2026

Injuries are piling up for the Philadelphia Eagles. Key starters are gone. A new offensive coordinator is off to a rough start. The head coach is hearing more criticism.

It’s a familiar story the Eagles hope has a similar ending.

It was at this point of the NFL season two years ago that the notoriously tough Philly fans were chanting “Fire Nick! Fire Nick!” at coach Nick Sirianni during a lackluster victory over the Browns that improved Philadelphia’s record to 3-2.

Sirianni screamed and gestured at them toward the end of the game and was mocked nationally by television analysts and hot-take artists who said he deserved to lose his job.

NFL

Injury-riddled Bengals secondary finding hope with fresh faces, new roles

Charlie Goldsmith, The Associated Press 4 minute read Friday, Oct. 9, 2026

CINCINNATI (AP) — Even while five Cincinnati Bengals’ defensive backs are dealing with injuries, the secondary as a whole has taken a step forward over the first month of the season. The Bengals have the 13th-best scoring defense in the NFL this season, and one of the strengths of the unit has been its ability to take away the deep ball.

The Bengals kept up that trend last week against the Jacksonville Jaguars, one of the best offenses in the NFL, despite having five defensive backs playing new positions.

“I thought they rose to the challenge,” Taylor said. “I really did. I thought they filled in nicely. Guys played in different roles. Guys playing more of a role than they had in the past. That was encouraging to see the next-man-up mentality. Guys taking advantage of their opportunities in a lot of different areas on our team.”

Safety Bryan Cook (ankle), safety Kyle Dugger (quad), and cornerbacks Jalen Davis (hamstring) and Ja’Sir Taylor (hamstring) missed last week’s game with injuries. Safety Jordan Battle played through a hamstring injury.

NFL

Eagles stars Saquon Barkley and DeVonta Smith ruled out of London game against Jaguars

The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

Eagles stars Saquon Barkley and DeVonta Smith ruled out of London game against Jaguars

The Associated Press 2 minute read Friday, Oct. 9, 2026

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Eagles running back Saquon Barkley and receiver DeVonta Smith have been ruled out of Sunday's game against the Jacksonville Jaguars in London because of hamstring injuries.

Barkley hurt his right hamstring early in last week's 24-20 loss to the Los Angeles Rams and didn't practice all week.

Smith also didn't practice this week and will miss his second straight game.

The Eagles were scheduled to land in London on Saturday morning for the game at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

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Friday, Oct. 9, 2026

NFL

Undermanned Eagles head overseas to face the Jaguars, winners of 11 of 12 in the regular season

Mark Long, The Associated Press 4 minute read Friday, Oct. 9, 2026

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) — The Philadelphia Eagles will be undermanned overseas.

The Eagles (2-2) will be without star running back Saquon Barkley, receiver DeVonta Smith, pass rusher Jonathan Greenard and three starting offensive linemen when they make the trip across the pond to play the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Coach Nick Sirianni’s message to his team: lock arms and let’s go.

“Every adversity that I’ve been in through my life, they’re not comfortable at the time, but they produce the most growth,” Sirianni said.

NFL

Bears have opportunity to show again they’ve gained the upper hand in their rivalry with Packers

Steve Megargee, The Associated Press 5 minute read Friday, Oct. 9, 2026

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — After beating the Green Bay Packers for the NFC North title and knocking them out of the playoffs last season, the Chicago Bears have one more opportunity to show definitively that a new chapter has started in the NFL’s most-played rivalry.

Chicago has won three of its past four meetings with the Packers, who had beaten the Bears 11 straight times from 2019-24. The Bears beat the Packers 22-16 in overtime last December after scoring 10 points in the final two minutes of regulation and then erased a 21-3 halftime deficit to beat them again 31-27 in the NFC wild-card playoffs.

The quarterback who led both those comebacks might not be playing Sunday when the Bears (3-1) meet the Packers (2-2) again at Lambeau Field.

Caleb Williams has missed Chicago’s past two games with a hamstring injury, but he returned to practice on a limited basis Friday and was listed as questionable for Sunday's game. Tyson Bagent would start if Williams isn't available.

NFL

Buccaneers rookie Jalon Daniels played like a quarterback who should’ve been drafted

Rob Maaddi, The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

Buccaneers rookie Jalon Daniels played like a quarterback who should’ve been drafted

Rob Maaddi, The Associated Press 4 minute read Friday, Oct. 9, 2026

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Jalon Daniels played like a quarterback who should’ve been drafted. Bucky Irving was nearly unstoppable. The offensive line finally did its job.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are winless no more after beating a team with a dreadful defense who overlooked them.

A 24-16 win over the Dallas Cowboys on the road with short rest should cool coach Todd Bowles’ hot seat. It also gets the Buccaneers (1-4) back in the mix in a division where no team has a winning record.

Daniels, the undrafted rookie from Kansas, was impressive in his second start filling in for Baker Mayfield. He completed 19 of 25 passes (76%) for 189 yards, one touchdown and no turnovers. He ran seven times for 23 yards and used his legs to extend plays a few times.

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Friday, Oct. 9, 2026

NFL

Broncos seek first AFC West win as Chargers try to avoid an 0-5 start

Beth Harris, The Associated Press 4 minute read Friday, Oct. 9, 2026

INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — Something's got to give when the Denver Broncos and Los Angeles Chargers meet on Sunday. Either the Broncos will earn their first AFC West win or the Chargers will extricate themselves from a crowded NFL basement.

Led by quarterback Bo Nix, the Broncos (2-2) have slumped offensively, ranking both 27th in scoring and in total yards per game.

“Certainly this isn't championship football,” said Denver coach Sean Payton, who decided this week to take back offensive play-calling duties.

Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh could say the same about his team, which has been plagued by penalties and turnovers.

NFL

Los Angeles Chargers lose Rashawn Slater to injured reserve after right ankle surgery

The Associated Press 1 minute read Preview

Los Angeles Chargers lose Rashawn Slater to injured reserve after right ankle surgery

The Associated Press 1 minute read Friday, Oct. 9, 2026

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. (AP) — Los Angeles Chargers tackle Rashawn Slater was placed on injured reserve Friday after having right ankle surgery.

Slater had the surgery Thursday after a high ankle sprain in last weekend's loss to the Seattle Seahawks. He'll miss at least four games.

The team said Slater will begin rehab immediately.

Slater missed all of last season after rupturing the patellar tendon in his left knee in training camp. He signed a $114 million, four-year extension in July 2025.

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Friday, Oct. 9, 2026

NFL

Vikings list wide receivers Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison as questionable to play the Saints

The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

Vikings list wide receivers Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison as questionable to play the Saints

The Associated Press 2 minute read Friday, Oct. 9, 2026

EAGAN, Minn. (AP) — The Minnesota Vikings have listed their top two wide receivers Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison as questionable and ruled out starting left tackle Christian Darrisaw for Sunday's game at New Orleans.

Jefferson practiced on a limited basis Friday after missing the previous game against Miami after spraining his ankle Sept. 27 at Tampa Bay. Addison was also a limited participant with a mild hamstring strain he suffered in the game last week.

The Vikings also listed starting right tackle Brian O'Neill as questionable with a knee injury that limited him all week in practice. Darrisaw did not practice this week after entering the concussion protocol during the Miami game, but coach Kevin O'Connell said he was progressing and on track to return to the lineup after the bye week for the game against Indianapolis on Oct. 25.

The Vikings also lost starting left guard Donovan Jackson last weekend to a knee injury that will likely sideline him for at least the rest of the regular season.

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Friday, Oct. 9, 2026

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