Football

Bomber Report

JEFF MCINTOSH / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES Winnipeg Blue Bombers defensive lineman Jake Ceresna (right), chasing Calgary Stampeders quarterback Vernon Adams Jr., is tied for the CFL lead in sacks.

‘I wouldn’t change my journey’

Taylor Allen 6 minute read Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2026

Jake Ceresna looks exactly how you’d imagine a professional football player would.

The 6-5, 290-pound defensive end for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers has a hulking, broad-shouldered frame built on a pair of tree-trunk legs.

But considering where he came from, it’s rather remarkable that he’s been giving opposing quarterbacks nightmares in the pros for a decade.

For starters, he hails from New Fairfield, Conn. The list of pro football players from the town of approximately 14,000 people starts and ends with Ceresna.

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Bomber Report

JOHN WOODS / THE CANADIAN PRESS B.C. Lions’ Keon Hatcher (4) and Zander Horvath (34) celebrate Horvath’s touchdown in front of Winnipeg Blue Bombers defensive back Deatrick Nichols Thursday night at Princess Auto Stadium.

Bombers defence still holds hope season can be turned around

Ken Wiebe 7 minute read Preview

Bombers defence still holds hope season can be turned around

Ken Wiebe 7 minute read Friday, Jul. 31, 2026

One solitary, one-syllable word was all Mike O’Shea needed to try and describe what he had just seen.

The head coach of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers had watched his defence get shredded for almost 400 yards in the rushing game alone in what was a 35-19 loss to the B.C. Lions on Thursday night before a stunned crowd of more than 31,000 at Princess Auto Stadium.

“Oof,” said O’Shea, before he explained things a bit further on the tactical side and provided some of the reasons things went sideways in such an important facet of the game.

It wasn’t that the description the head coach of the Bombers gave on that front wasn’t important, but the preamble to the soliloquy on how a series of errors and missed tackles wasn’t really necessary for anyone who had just witnessed this debacle.

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Friday, Jul. 31, 2026

Bomber Report

JOHN WOODS / THE CANADIAN PRESS Winnipeg Blue Bombers’ Tim White (12) attempts to make it to the end zone against the B.C. Lions during the first half Thursday at Princess Auto Stadium.

Brown goes down, so do Blue

Taylor Allen 7 minute read Preview

Brown goes down, so do Blue

Taylor Allen 7 minute read Friday, Jul. 31, 2026

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers suffered one of their most embarrassing and inexcusable losses in recent memory on Thursday night.

A one-win B.C. Lions team — featuring a rookie quarterback making his first career start, a rookie running back making his first career start and two backup offensive lineman in action — somehow, someway dealt the Blue and Gold a 35-19 defeat in front of 31,509 disgruntled fans at Princess Auto Stadium.

The Bombers, now 1-4 on home turf this season, have dropped back-to-back games to fall to 4-4. The Lions improved to 2-5.

“Shit wasn’t good enough. Offence, defence, special teams. Wasn’t good enough,” said defensive end Willie Jefferson.

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Friday, Jul. 31, 2026

Bomber Report

John Woods / THE CANADIAN PRESS Winnipeg Blue Bombers running back Brady Oliveira took the ball to the house on a career-long 45-yard touchdown against the Calgary Stampeders last week.

Bombers Oliveira preaches collective unit to turn team’s offence around

Ken Wiebe 7 minute read Preview

Bombers Oliveira preaches collective unit to turn team’s offence around

Ken Wiebe 7 minute read Wednesday, Jul. 29, 2026

Brady Oliveira chose his words carefully — and you can be sure that was by design.

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers running back was speaking to members of the media for the first time since his words on the CJOB post-game show about the search for the identity of the offence created a bit of a stir and unintentionally became a frequent topic of conversation going into Thursday’s game against the B.C. Lions.

Because Oliveira (knee) was held out of workouts on Monday and Tuesday, there was no time for further context on the subject until after Wednesday’s walkthrough and it sure sounded like the star tailback was asked to tone things down.

“We’ve got a lot of good guys on this offence – all across the board and we just want this thing to go around,” said Oliveira. “We want this thing to be successful. We want to go out there and make plays. Whatever it takes, understanding that it’s a collective unit that has to go out there and be on the same page and get it done. That’s kind of where I’ll stand with that.”

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Wednesday, Jul. 29, 2026

Bomber Report

RUTH BONNEVILLE / FREE PRESS FILES Winnipeg Blue Bombers offensive lineman Micah Vanterpool took all the first-team reps in place of injured teammate Jarell Broxton at Monday’s practice.

All signs point to Vanterpool being called on

Taylor Allen 6 minute read Preview

All signs point to Vanterpool being called on

Taylor Allen 6 minute read Tuesday, Jul. 28, 2026

In a way, Micah Vanterpool’s brief stint as a Grade 3 teacher in his hometown of Tulsa, Okla., prepared him for life in the CFL.

The third-year offensive lineman for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers only has eight career games on his resumé as he has bounced around between the practice roster, starting lineup and injury report.

But thanks to his time in the classroom, he’s developed the patience that’s required by a young American trying to make a name for oneself in the three-down loop.

Vanterpool got into teaching after failing to make the New England Patriots in 2023. He said goodbye to the education profession the following year and took his talents up north to Winnipeg.

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Tuesday, Jul. 28, 2026

Bomber Report

Nick Iwanyshyn / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES Winnipeg Blue Bombers slotback Tim White came to the team in part because of its receiver depth, not in spite of it.

Blue Bombers receivers share the spotlight in balanced aerial attack

Joshua Frey-Sam 6 minute read Preview

Blue Bombers receivers share the spotlight in balanced aerial attack

Joshua Frey-Sam 6 minute read Wednesday, Jul. 22, 2026

Tim White knew exactly what he was getting into.

So when the former Hamilton Tiger-Cats receiver inked a one-year deal in the off-season to catch passes for a Winnipeg Blue Bombers team that already has a perennial 1,000-yard producer in Nic Demski, a one-time NFL-hopeful in Ontaria (Pokey) Wilson, and later, a highly respected safety blanket in Tommy Nield, there were no concerns about where White would fit and whether he would see enough volume in the passing attack.

Oddly enough, the club’s depth made it even more compelling for him to sign on the dotted line, and he hasn’t regretted it for a second.

“That was the major reason why I came here. And I felt like this was the best offer for me because of the pieces that were already in the room,” said White. “The leadership that was in the room, and then me being able to step in and just kind of add to it. For who I am, I felt like that would be a great fit.”

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Wednesday, Jul. 22, 2026

Bomber Report

Blue Bombers’ Reese picks up the pieces

Blue Bombers’ Reese picks up the pieces

Ken Wiebe 7 minute read Preview

Blue Bombers’ Reese picks up the pieces

Ken Wiebe 7 minute read Friday, Jul. 17, 2026

David Reese admits his new routine took some getting used to.

No, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers rookie defensive end wasn’t talking about the transition to the CFL game.

That’s been relatively smooth, especially over the past two games as his playing time has increased and he worked his way into a starting role.

But after spending eight years in the NCAA due to a host of injuries and circumstances such as a global pandemic, Reese said there were times he wondered if he shouldn’t be walking into a classroom, burying his head in a textbook or preparing for the next exam.

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Friday, Jul. 17, 2026

Bomber Report

John Woods / THE CANADIAN PRESS Blue Bombers linebacker Tony Jones pulls down Toronto Argonauts quarterback Chad Kelly in Winnipeg on Friday.

Bombers’ D starting to show its teeth

Taylor Allen 6 minute read Preview

Bombers’ D starting to show its teeth

Taylor Allen 6 minute read Wednesday, Jul. 15, 2026

No one stood on a table and delivered a rah-rah speech.

The scheme wasn’t overhauled, and there were no major changes to the roster either.

And yet, after opening the season with three discouraging performances, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers’ defence has looked like a completely different unit of late.

They’re the only team in the CFL to hold opponents to 21 points or fewer in its last two games. Fresh off a 30-21 home win over the Toronto Argonauts on Friday, the Bombers (3-2) rank second in the league in scoring defence, allowing 24.4 points per game.

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Wednesday, Jul. 15, 2026

Bomber Report

John Woods / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES Winnipeg Blue Bombers quarterback Dru Brown hands off to running back Brady Oliveira during the Bombers 30-21 victory over the Toronto Argonauts on Friday.

Blue Bombers’ Brown not bent on revenge

Taylor Allen 6 minute read Preview

Blue Bombers’ Brown not bent on revenge

Taylor Allen 6 minute read Tuesday, Jul. 14, 2026

It’s the kind of storyline you’d find in the wacky world of professional wrestling.

You know, the one where someone is disrespected and cast aside by their former alliance, only to get the chance to step into the squared circle and exact revenge.

While there won’t be any body slams or powerbombs, quarterback Dru Brown could find himself in a similar scenario — except on turf — on Sunday if he’s tasked with leading the Winnipeg Blue Bombers (3-2) into Ottawa to face the Redblacks (0-5).

Starting quarterback Zach Collaros (neck) was a limited participant at Tuesday’s practice, while Brown took reps with the first-team offence.

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Tuesday, Jul. 14, 2026

Bomber Report

Nick Iwanyshyn / The Canadian Press Winnipeg Blue Bombers quarterback Zach Collaros (right) is on the injury report with a neck issue and is listed as questionable for Friday’s date with the visiting Toronto Argonauts.

Bombers look to build on strong defence against high-powered Argos

Taylor Allen 6 minute read Preview

Bombers look to build on strong defence against high-powered Argos

Taylor Allen 6 minute read Wednesday, Jul. 8, 2026

Mike O’Shea is more likely to cough up his credit card information than share anything about an injured player.

That especially rings true when it comes to the quarterback position — and Zach Collaros.

The starting pivot for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers (2-2) left Sunday’s 14-13 win in Hamilton on the first play of the second quarter after being strip-sacked from the blind side.

Collaros is on the injury report with a neck issue and is listed as questionable for Friday’s date with the visiting Toronto Argonauts (2-2).

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Wednesday, Jul. 8, 2026

Bomber Report

Bombers get kick out of World Cup

Bombers get kick out of World Cup

Taylor Allen 6 minute read Preview

Bombers get kick out of World Cup

Taylor Allen 6 minute read Thursday, Jul. 2, 2026

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers would look very different today if a few of their standouts never ditched the pitch for the gridiron.

With the FIFA World Cup in full swing, several members of the Blue and Gold reminisced Wednesday about soccer careers that might have been.

Look no further than star running back Brady Oliveira, who excelled at footy until he was recruited to play football for the North Winnipeg Nomads at age 13.

His older brother Kyle played junior soccer in Brazil and was part of the Canadian national development program, while his younger sister Kallee played at the University of Winnipeg.

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Thursday, Jul. 2, 2026

Bomber Report

JOHN WOODS / THE CANADIAN PRESS The Edmonton Elks’ Joel Dublanko and Noah Taylor celebrate sacking Winnipeg Blue Bombers quarterback Zach Collaros during the first half of the Elks 23-18 win in Winnipeg, Thursday.

Bomber comeback falls short

Taylor Allen 7 minute read Preview

Bomber comeback falls short

Taylor Allen 7 minute read Friday, Jun. 26, 2026

It was the kind of start that had fans in the stands facepalming.

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers initially looked nothing like a group that had an extra week to prepare for Thursday night’s showdown at home with the Edmonton Elks.

Two fumbles, two missed field goals and more struggles on defence put the Blue and Gold in a 17-0 hole midway through the second quarter.

And while the second half was far from perfect, the Bombers showed signs of life — especially on defence — and miraculously grabbed an 18-17 lead with 8:34 remaining in the contest after running back Brady Oliveira dragged a defender to the front pilon of the end zone on a 14-yard catch and run.

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Friday, Jun. 26, 2026

Bomber Report

Darryl Dyck / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES Quarterback Dru Brown last suited up for the Blue and Gold for the 2023 season before getting the starting pivot gig with the Ottawa Redblacks in 2024.

Bombers bursting Dru Brown is back on club’s roster

Taylor Allen 4 minute read Preview

Bombers bursting Dru Brown is back on club’s roster

Taylor Allen 4 minute read Wednesday, Jun. 24, 2026

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers are thrilled to welcome Dru Brown back into the fold.

“I’m just excited to have my friend back,” said starting quarterback Zach Collaros on Wednesday.

“I’m pretty ecstatic about it, honestly. Dru was one of my guys when he was here,” said running back Brady Oliveira.

The eventual arrival of the 29-year-old pivot — who was acquired in a trade with the Ottawa Redblacks on Tuesday and is still on his way to Winnipeg — does, however, complicate things for the club’s current No. 2 quarterback, Taylor Elgersma.

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Wednesday, Jun. 24, 2026

Bomber Report

John Woods / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES Even in the Week 2 loss to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, Winnipeg Blue Bombers quarterback Zach Collaros racked up 421 yards — the third-highest total of his career and his fifth career 400-plus-yard game. The pivot enters Thursday’s game just 296 yards behind Khari Jones Bombers’ record.

Shutdown defence key for the W

Taylor Allen 6 minute read Preview

Shutdown defence key for the W

Taylor Allen 6 minute read Wednesday, Jun. 24, 2026

Death, taxes and Mike O’Shea having the Blue Bombers ready to rock after a bye week.

Last season — which was a down year across the board for the club — his troops went 1-2 after breaks, but dating back to 2018, they own an impressive 16-3 record coming off byes.

They’ll look to return to their usual form Thursday night when they host the 2-0 Edmonton Elks (7:30 p.m. CT).

The Bombers (1-1) headed into their bye with a harsh reminder that they still have plenty to clean up. In Week 2, the Hamilton Tiger-Cats came to town and spoiled Winnipeg’s home opener with a convincing 37-27 victory.

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Wednesday, Jun. 24, 2026

Bomber Report

John Woods / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES The Ottawa Redblacks traded quarterback Dru Brown to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, Tuesday.

Brown back with Blue and Gold

Taylor Allen 3 minute read Preview

Brown back with Blue and Gold

Taylor Allen 3 minute read Tuesday, Jun. 23, 2026

Dru Brown has left the doghouse in Ottawa and is on his way back to Winnipeg.

The Blue Bombers announced Tuesday evening that they have acquired the 29-year-old quarterback and a second-round pick in the 2027 CFL Draft (previously traded by Winnipeg to Ottawa to move up three spots in this year’s draft to pick tight end Dante Daniels) from the Ottawa Redblacks, in exchange for Winnipeg’s first-round selection in 2027 and a second-round selection in 2028 (conditional).

The conditional pick will become a first if Brown re-signs with the Bombers for 2027 and plays a certain amount that season.

Brown broke into the CFL with the Bombers in 2021 and appeared in 38 games across three seasons where he completed 102-of-153 attempts for 1,484 yards, 14 touchdowns and two interceptions. He started three games in that stretch and went 2-1.

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Tuesday, Jun. 23, 2026

Bomber Report

DAVE BUSTON / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES Head coach Cal Murphy holds the Grey Cup after the Winnipeg Blue Bombers defeated the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in 1984. Winnipeg Blue Bombers coach Cal Murphy holds the Grey Cup after his team beat the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in the Grey Cup game in Edmonton, Nov.18, 1984. Murphy, who was part of nine Grey Cup-winning teams as an assistant coach, head coach and CFL general manager has died at age 79. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Dave Buston

Bomber great Murphy to be inducted into Ring of Honour

Taylor Allen 4 minute read Preview

Bomber great Murphy to be inducted into Ring of Honour

Taylor Allen 4 minute read Thursday, Jun. 18, 2026

Cal Murphy was immortalized with a statue outside of the home of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers back in 2017 and, next month, his name will be displayed inside the stadium next to fellow franchise greats.

The Bombers announced Thursday that the late Murphy is this year’s inductee into the team’s Ring of Honour. The longtime head coach and general manager, who died in 2012 at the age of 79, will be officially inducted on July 30 when the Bombers host the B.C. Lions.

“Cal was such an important part of the Blue Bombers for his many years with the club as a coach, a GM and a steadfast voice for Canadian football,” said Winnipeg Football Club president and CEO Wade Miller in a statement. “Strong-willed and passionate in his beliefs, he had his hand on the rudder during one of the most successful eras of Blue Bombers football.

“On behalf of the Winnipeg Football Club, I’m thrilled to see his name join the other icons in franchise history in the Ring of Honour.”

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Thursday, Jun. 18, 2026

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