Blue Bombers prepare for Stampeders without key players
The Winnipeg Blue Bombers will see Dru Brown start at quarterback for the third consecutive game as they host the Calgary Stampeders. Brown will lead the offence in the absence of star quarterback Zach Collaros, who remains on the six-game injured list due to a neck injury. This marks Brown’s third straight start for the Blue Bombers, who currently hold a 4-2 record.
In addition to Collaros, starting safety Redha Kramdi will also be sidelined for the Week 8 matchup against the Stampeders. Kramdi is dealing with a hand injury. Jake Kelly is set to step in as the starting safety for the Blue Bombers. Kelly, in his fourth season, has appeared in all six games this year as a backup defensive back and recorded his first career interception in the recent win against the Ottawa RedBlacks.
Head coach Mike O’Shea commented on Kelly’s opportunity, noting that he has been receiving significant playing time and can cover multiple positions. O’Shea emphasized Kelly’s understanding of the team’s strategies and his communication skills. While Kramdi was placed on the six-game injured list, O’Shea indicated uncertainty regarding the exact duration of his absence.
Brown to lead offence after recent victories
Dru Brown, who began his CFL career with the Blue Bombers in 2021, was reacquired by Winnipeg last month in a trade with the Ottawa Redblacks. He had previously lost his starting role to Jake Maier. Brown has secured victories in both of his starts this season with Winnipeg, accumulating 656 passing yards, three touchdowns, and one interception.
The Blue Bombers enter the game having won their last three contests. However, their starts to games have been a point of concern, with turnovers on their first possession in each of their last three outings, including a fumble, a turnover on downs, and an interception. Brown acknowledged the need for sustained focus throughout the entire game, noting that while the team aims to improve their starts, fast starts do not always guarantee continued performance.
Rookie Taylor Elgersma will serve as the backup quarterback for the Blue Bombers. The team has also made several adjustments to its active roster, with receiver Kevens Clercius, defensive back Ethan Ball, defensive tackle Tanner Schmekel, and linebacker Lane Novak all making their season debuts. Additionally, defensive back Matthew Jackson is set to play in his first career CFL game. To accommodate these additions, receiver Joey Corcoran, defensive end Kydran Jenkins, defensive back Ethan Stuart, and linebacker Charles-Elliot Bouliane have been moved to the practice roster.
Matchup details and team dynamics
The Blue Bombers and Stampeders will face off in a West Division clash at Princess Auto Stadium. The Stampeders have lost their last two games, both against the Montreal Alouettes, and are currently four points behind the third-place Blue Bombers in the standings. Winnipeg previously defeated Calgary 30-28 in their only other meeting this season during Week 1.
For the Stampeders, a key focus will be on their defence, which has allowed a league-high 214 points through seven weeks, or 35.6 per game. Much of their issue has been defending the pass game, which ranked last in yards surrendered at 361.3 per game. Defensive back Zy Alexander, who has three of the team’s four interceptions, will be crucial in defending against Blue Bombers receivers Nic Demski and Tim White.
On offence, the Stampeders will look to build on their performance from last week. Quarterback Vernon Adams Jr., who has thrown touchdowns and no interceptions, will challenge a Blue Bombers secondary that has allowed only nine passing touchdowns. Running back Dedrick Mills is expected to be a factor, having rushed for 112 yards and a touchdown against Winnipeg earlier in the season. Limiting Mills’ impact will be a priority for the Blue Bombers‘ defensive front, including Jake Ceresna and Tony Jones.
For the Blue Bombers, running back Brady Oliveira will aim to replicate his Week 1 performance against the Stampeders, where he gained 113 yards and scored a touchdown. This remains Oliveira’s best game of the season. The game is scheduled for Friday at 7:30 p.m. at Princess Auto Stadium.
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Source: winnipeg.citynews.ca
