The 0-2 Winnipeg Blue Bombers will take on the 2-0 Calgary Stampeders on Friday night.
Yes, I know. Both teams will start the regular season 0-0, but the pre-season games do mean something and do disclose other things. Previously, I wrote Reflections: Bombers' Pre-Season Loss Is Not That Encouraging Offensively, and I stand behind that.
Whether you agree with that or not, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers will start the regular season on the road against the Calgary Stampeders. The Bombers will find themselves behind the 8-ball even before the first snap.
Bombers' Injury Report
Bombers' Depth Chart
We are going to find out really quickly what the Bombers' depth looks like on the field.
While I hope they play well, I do not see a combination of Cobb and Corcoran out playing Clercius. And on the other side of the ball it will be interesting to see if the injuries cause any real down grade in the play. I am not convinced that we will see a significant drop off in the Bombers' secondary. What I am sure of is that we will find out quickly if there is a drop off. For me, it is going to go one of two ways. Either the Bombers' secondary hold their own, or they get light up like the fourth of July. Time will tell.
Calgary's Injury Report
Calgary's photo Injury Report is not as telling as the Bombers' one is. You have to look at their actual injury report to find out who is actually out who is in and who is out.
Calgary's Depth Chart
Which Team Is More Hurt?
While I already mentioned that Winnipeg looks thin at receiver, and we will see about their secondary, Calgary is also walking wounded.
Kicking
First of all Calgary is missing their starting kicker. Rene Parades was listed as 'Questionable"; a designation every player receives if they miss a part of practice. Since then he has been ruled out. And since it is a groin injury, I would not assume that they are going to rush him back. That leaves Calgary relying on McTamney, who has no CFL experience. While he does have some NFL experience, I would not necessarily call that experience good.
McTamney bounced around with the Giants from practice roster to active roster. On November 3, 2024, he kicked an extra point and a 31-yard field goal. How will McTamney do against the Bombers? Your guess is as good as mine, but have to give a big advantage to Winnipeg in the kicking game.
Defensive Line
I have to give the edge to the Bombers in this category. With Calgary missing Jaylon Hutchings, and Folarin Orimolade, that puts them in a tough spot. As for the Bombers, I will be looking to see if Ceresna is as impactful and disruptful as the Bombers hope he will be.
Receiving
This will likely be the area that draws the most attention, because this is the flashy position, the one that people always look at. As mentioned earlier, Winnipeg will be without Clercius. But Calgary will be without Clark Barnes and Reggie Begelton. That is a big loss for the Stampeders. Normally, I would say that the Bombers are in a worse spot as I am unconvinced in their at that position. Also, Calgary's leading receiver from 2025, Dominique Rhymes, has retired...so they are missing that option. I am going to give the edge to the Bombers in this one.
Lingering Question
In past years the Bombers have shown that it was a mistake not to play Collaros in the pre-season. Yet, once again the Bombers have gone that route. How much time, if any will it take Collaros, his receivers, and the offensive line to be in sync? In a game where I believe the Bombers have the edge offensively, any lack of chemistry could be the equalizer.
And sticking with the quarterback situation for a moment; are you surprised that Elgersma is listed ahead of Perkins? I had some questions about how that might play out here. I think that gives us a bit of a peak on the potential succession plan for Collaros.
However this games ends up it will provide Bomber fans their first full real look at the 2026 Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
What do you think? Let me know in the comments section wherever you are reading this. Catch all my articles here.