Often, training camp is used for some guys to once again get some real life reps. But training camp can also be used to see more of a player that was already on the roster.
You would think that if a player has been on the team before then the clearly the Bombers like him. But there are two players this training camp that I want to focus in on.
1) Gavin Cobb
The comment on the Winnipeg Blue Bombers' social media page says it all, 'Who??'. If you are a Blue Bomber fan, you have probably heard the name Gavin Cobb. He has been with the Blue Bombers for one season. But if I asked you what position he played, would you be able to answer that? Even his Wikipedia page is underwhelming. Before you guess what position he plays (assuming you do not already know) I will give you this hint; it was a position that the Bombers needed better production out of in 2025.
And the answer is...receiver. However, that stat sheet is not kind to him.
So where does Gavin Cobb fit into the Bombers organization, or does he? Maybe he could fit in as a returner, "
In his final season at Manitoba in 2021 Cobb pulled in 27 passes for 340 yards and five touchdowns while being named a Canada West All-Star as a kick returner after returning 27 punts for 250 yards, including a 91-yard touchdown against Alberta." (Source) But the Bombers already have Vaval. Sure a back up kick returner is not bad to have, but that is hardly carving out a spot for yourself.
“They say football is a next-man-up mentality game,” Cobb told bluebombers.com after another solid day’s work on Saturday. “That’s how it’s always been and that’s how I carry myself.
“If it’s not my time today, it could be my time tomorrow. At times, yeah, that can be frustrating as you wait on that opportunity. But for me it’s not about waiting, it’s about preparing because if you’re unprepared when your opportunity arises then you’re going to miss out on it and you’re back where you started.
“I just want to be ready for when my name is called and step up and do the best job I can.” (Source)
If you ask me, that sounds like a player that knows he is not likely to crack the starting line up. But he does carry with himself the right attitude to be a difference maker if given the opportunity. The other plus that Cobb has is versatility. He has shown that he can line up with the first team as a wide receiver, and also move inside - when Demski took a few reps off.
So while I do not expect too see Cobb listed as a starter this season, he could very well be a gap-filler...and that is not a bad thing for him, or for the Bombers.
2) Michael Chris-Ike
It is hard to get touches as a Bomber when you have a guy like Oliveira in the line up. However, at 6'1 and 228lbs, this guy should be able to make an impact.
Why do I want to see more of Chris-Ike before I decide? First, let me show the rest of his stats.
As for the Bombers, they are writing the narrative that it is a confidence thing.
“I’m getting more comfortable with everything. Credit to my coaches because they’ve been explaining things super well,” Chris-Ike told bluebombers.com this weekend. “Everything has been slowing down a little more, so it’s been good. It’s’ exciting. I just love the fact I have the trust of my teammates and coaches.”
“He’s done really well for us. He’s always fit. Always in great shape. Strong, fast and physically a bigger guy,” said head coach Mike O’Shea on Chris-Ike. “Everything just seems to have fallen in place this year for him. I’m sure that’s from some offseason work and studying and trying to learn more about the new playbook.
“We’ve also given him more time at his natural position after he came in as a tailback, and we moved him to fullback. That’s not the natural spot for him and now we’ve given him more time at what came naturally to him and he’s now obviously more comfortable at the fullback spot, too.” (Source)
To be fair, I am not suggesting that the Bombers are intentionally misleading anyone, or trying to write a narrative that is false. Confidence is absolutely a huge part of it. Understanding the playbook, things slowing down, all these work towards a players' success.
But I want to suggest another factor...play calling. “We’ve also given him more time at his natural position after he came in as a tailback, and we moved him to fullback. That’s not the natural spot for him and now we’ve given him more time at what came naturally to him and he’s now obviously more comfortable at the fullback spot, too.” (Source)
Why? And why now? We may never know the answer to that question. But my hunch is that it has to do with the offensive coordinator. "Training camp was tough this year, kind of a weird situation that we were put in," Collaros said. "Repped a lot of things that we didn't rep during the season. I didn't get a lot of reps with guys who were playing." In that same article, I said that if something does not change in the off season, do not be surprised if Collaros walks away from the Bombers.
I have to believe that it is a little bit more than a coincidence that the Bombers have replaced their offensive coordinator, and now they are deciding to use players in different roles.
Final Thoughts
While I highlighted Gavin Cobb and Michael Chris-Ike, there are more players like these two that more has to be seen of before I decide whether they are keepers. Positionally, I want to see more from the back up quarterback, the offensive line & returners, as well as the defensive front. Those were all areas that were lacking in 2025, and that the Bombers need to address in 2026 if they are planning to have a better season.
How about you? What players or positions are you wanting too see more of in training camp?
What do you think? Let me know in the comments section wherever you are reading this. Catch all my articles here.