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Bomber Report

Winnipeg Blue Bombers’ Brady Oliveira (20) runs the ball during second half CFL football action against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, in Hamilton on Sunday, July 5, 2026. (Nick Iwanyshyn / The Canadian Press)

Bombers steal win on somber night

Taylor Allen 7 minute read Yesterday at 10:47 PM CDT

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HAMILTON — It was supposed to be a showdown between two future Hall-of-Fame quarterbacks.

Instead, it ended up being a somber night for the CFL.

Winnipeg Blue Bombers starter Zach Collaros was ruled out for the contest with an upper body injury after being hit from the blindside on the first play of the second quarter.

And just when you thought nothing could possibly overshadow that, Bo Levi Mitchell — the face of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats who was playing some of the best football of his illustrious career this season — suffered what appeared to be a serious left ankle injury in the third quarter after being taken down by defensive lineman Jake Ceresna for a sack.

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CFL

Hamilton Tiger-Cats' Kenny Lawler (89) makes a reception for a touchdown, with pressure from Winnipeg Blue Bombers' Jonathan Moxey (2), during first half CFL football action in Hamilton on Sunday, July 5, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nick Iwanyshyn

Castillo’s 23-yard field goal lifts Blue Bombers to 14-13 victory over Tiger-Cats

Dan Ralph, The Canadian Press 7 minute read Preview

Castillo’s 23-yard field goal lifts Blue Bombers to 14-13 victory over Tiger-Cats

Dan Ralph, The Canadian Press 7 minute read Updated: Yesterday at 11:43 PM CDT

HAMILTON - Rookie Taylor Elgersma and the Winnipeg Blue Bombers won the battle of attrition Sunday night.

Sergio Castillo's 23-yard field goal with 21 seconds remaining lifted Winnipeg to a 14-13 win over the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in a game that saw both starting quarterbacks knocked out with injuries.

That resulted in Elgersma and Hamilton's Tre Ford both seeing action, marking the first time since 1969 that two U Sports quarterbacks both attempted a pass in a CFL game. Ford won the '21 Hec Crighton Trophy at Waterloo while Elgersma earned the 2024 honour at Laurier.

"Two premier starting quarterbacks going down in the same game is not good for the league," said Winnipeg head coach Mike O'Shea. "Hopefully both guys make a speedy recovery, I don't know anything about either one right now.

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Updated: Yesterday at 11:43 PM CDT

CFL

Hamilton Tiger-Cats quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell (19) looks for a pass during first half CFL football action against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, in Hamilton on Sunday, July 5, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nick Iwanyshyn

Veteran quarterbacks Collaros, Mitchell both knocked out of Hamilton-Winnipeg game

The Canadian Press 2 minute read Preview

Veteran quarterbacks Collaros, Mitchell both knocked out of Hamilton-Winnipeg game

The Canadian Press 2 minute read Yesterday at 8:11 PM CDT

HAMILTON - Veteran quarterbacks Zach Collaros and Bo Levi Mitchell were both knocked out of Sunday's CFL game between the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

Winnipeg starter Collaros suffered an upper-body injury early in the second quarter that knocked him out of the contest. Collaros was sacked by Hamilton's Reggie Stubblefield and was able to walk off the field and remained on the sidelines with his helmet on but rookie Taylor Elgersma took over as the Bombers starter.

At halftime, a Bombers official said the 37-year-old Collaros wouldn't return to the contest.

Then at 3:24 of the third, Winnipeg's Jake Ceresna sacked Mitchell, Hamilton's starter, and came down on Mitchell's left leg. Mitchell, 36, was treated by medical personnel on the field before being placed on a stretcher and loaded into an ambulance that had come on to the field.

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Yesterday at 8:11 PM CDT

CFL

B.C. Lions' James Butler (20) runs past Edmonton Elks' Richard Jibunor (96) during first half CFL football action in Kelowna, B.C., on Saturday July 4, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Steve Dunsmoor

Lions earn first win by handing Elks their first loss in 36-24 decision

Larry Fisher, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Preview

Lions earn first win by handing Elks their first loss in 36-24 decision

Larry Fisher, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Saturday, Jul. 4, 2026

KELOWNA - James Butler and the B.C. Lions won the ground battle while grinding out their first victory of the CFL season, beating the previously undefeated Edmonton Elks 36-24 on Saturday in front of another sellout crowd at the Apple Bowl.

Butler rumbled for 135 yards and two touchdowns, outshining league-leading rusher Justin Rankin on another sunny evening in the Okanagan — the Lions’ home away from home after being punted out of BC Place Stadium in Vancouver by the FIFA World Cup.

“It feels good to get in the win column. To be able to get one in Kelowna is great but just to get one overall is good,” said Lions quarterback Nathan Rourke, who again passed for more than 300 yards.

“We knew it wasn’t going to be easy. That’s a team that was 3-0 and they had won three close games. They were playing with a lot of confidence and we definitely saw that today. I just thought we fed off the energy of the crowd. We bounced back.”

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Saturday, Jul. 4, 2026

Bomber Report

BROOK JONES/FREE PRESS Winnipeg Blue Bombers offensive lineman Chris Kolankowski (right) talks to reporters in the Blue Bombers locker room after the 2024 season.

Tip of the cap: Former Bomber Kolankowski says fan response on his return was special

Taylor Allen 8 minute read Preview

Tip of the cap: Former Bomber Kolankowski says fan response on his return was special

Taylor Allen 8 minute read Saturday, Jul. 4, 2026

HAMILTON — Chris Kolankowski saw it coming.

He had a feeling he was going to be the odd man out after the Winnipeg Blue Bombers re-signed fellow veteran Canadian centre Tui Eli at the end of December.

“I heard what the details of that were and I was kind of concerned once I saw the numbers,” Kolankowski told the Free Press on Saturday.

Soon after, he got a call from head coach Mike O’Shea that confirmed his hunch.

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Saturday, Jul. 4, 2026

Bomber Report

ASHLEY LANDIS / THE ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE Travis Kelce, left, and Taylor Swift pose after the AFC Championship NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills, January 2025, in Kansas City, Mo.

Work keeps Bombers QB from attending Kelce-Swift wedding

Taylor Allen 3 minute read Preview

Work keeps Bombers QB from attending Kelce-Swift wedding

Taylor Allen 3 minute read Saturday, Jul. 4, 2026

HAMILTON — You would think Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift would’ve looked at the Winnipeg Blue Bombers’ schedule before locking in a date for their wedding.

The Kansas City Chiefs tight end and the global music icon tied the knot Friday at New York’s Madison Square Garden in front of a star-studded guest list.

Bombers quarterback Zach Collaros — who was teammates with Kelce during their time at the University of Cincinnati — was invited but had to miss the occasion to prepare for Sunday’s road clash against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats (6 p.m. CT).

“I told him that! I talked to him the other day,” said Collaros shortly after arriving in Hamilton on Saturday. “They were taking a walk together and I’m like ‘You guys could’ve taken a look at the damn schedule.’ But yeah, it is what it is.”

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Saturday, Jul. 4, 2026

CFL

Toronto Argonauts' Wynton McManis (48) runs the ball during second half CFL football action at the 111th Grey Cup against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, in Vancouver, B.C., Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Frank Gunn

Veteran middle linebacker Wynton McManis to make debut with Hamilton Tiger-Cats

Dan Ralph, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Preview

Veteran middle linebacker Wynton McManis to make debut with Hamilton Tiger-Cats

Dan Ralph, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Saturday, Jul. 4, 2026

HAMILTON - Wynton McManis will finally make his Hamilton Tiger-Cats debut.

The veteran middle linebacker will be in the lineup Sunday when Hamilton (2-1) hosts the Winnipeg Blue Bombers (1-2). McManis joined the Ticats in the off-season as a free agent following four seasons with the rival Toronto Argonauts but had been sidelined with a bone bruise in his knee.

He was listed behind Canadian Ryan Baker on the depth chart.

Baker performed well in McManis's absence, registering 16 tackles. But Hamilton head coach Scott Milanovich said McManis, a three-time Grey Cup champion, has a penchant for delivering big plays at key times.

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Saturday, Jul. 4, 2026

CFL

Saskatchewan Roughriders' KeeSean Johnson (3) scores a touchdown past Ottawa Redblacks' A.J. Allen (bottom right) during second half CFL football action in Ottawa on Friday, July 3, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang

Roughriders hang on to 27-22 victory after defence defuses late Redblacks’ drive

Lisa Wallace, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Preview

Roughriders hang on to 27-22 victory after defence defuses late Redblacks’ drive

Lisa Wallace, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Friday, Jul. 3, 2026

OTTAWA - This was hardly the start Ryan Dinwiddie envisioned when he took over as head coach and general manager of the Ottawa Redblacks.

The two-time Grey Cup champion coach is facing an 0-4 record after a tough 27-22 loss to the Saskatchewan Roughriders on Friday.

“No doubt we’re in quicksand,” admitted Dinwiddie. “It’s a long race, but we’re far behind … We’re in a tough spot right now but you know we gotta get a win, find a way to win, do the little things it takes to win and get some momentum going.”

Dinwiddie liked his team’s start after it jumped out to a 10-0 first quarter lead, but a few penalties and missed opportunities proved to be the difference.

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Friday, Jul. 3, 2026

Bomber Report

JOHN WOODS / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES Winnipeg Blue Bombers quarterback Zach Collaros needs just six passing yards to move past Khari Jones for second place on the Bombers’ all-time passing list.

A tale of two quarterbacks in Steeltown clash

Taylor Allen 7 minute read Preview

A tale of two quarterbacks in Steeltown clash

Taylor Allen 7 minute read Friday, Jul. 3, 2026

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers need their A-game this weekend if they’re going to leave Steeltown with a win.

You could argue the club didn’t even have their B-game last month when the Hamilton Tiger-Cats invaded Princess Auto Stadium and spoiled the home opener by drubbing the Blue and Gold 37-27.

Now with a chance at revenge, the Bombers (1-2) head into enemy territory on a two-game losing streak after suffering a sloppy 23-18 loss to the visiting Edmonton Elks a week ago. Hamilton (2-1), meanwhile, is coming off a bye after winning back-to-back games.

The Ticats are 14-5 after bye weeks dating back to 2018.

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Friday, Jul. 3, 2026

NFL

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) and tight end Travis Kelce (87) stretch out during the NFL football team's practice Tuesday, June 9, 2026, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)

Teammates of Travis Kelce and others around sports attend his wedding to Taylor Swift

Stephen Whyno, The Associated Press 3 minute read Preview

Teammates of Travis Kelce and others around sports attend his wedding to Taylor Swift

Stephen Whyno, The Associated Press 3 minute read Saturday, Jul. 4, 2026

NEW YORK (AP) — JuJu Smith-Schuster was there. So was Cooper Kupp, fresh off winning the Super Bowl.

NFL players and other prominent sports figures made up part of the star-studded crowd for Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift's wedding at Madison Square Garden on Friday.

Kareem Hunt was one of Kelce's many current or former Kansas City Chiefs teammates spotted in New York ahead of the wedding, which was expected to also be attended by Kelce's retired Philadelphia Eagles Super Bowl-winning brother Jason, San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle and others from football, golf and beyond.

Soccer even had a presence, albeit in the form of “Ted Lasso” actor Jason Sudeikis, himself a big Chiefs fan.

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Saturday, Jul. 4, 2026

CFL

B.C. Lions quarterback Nathan Rourke (12) rushes for a first down against the Calgary Stampeders during first half CFL football action in Kelowna, B.C., on Saturday, June 27, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Steve Dunsmoor

‘Need to clean up’: Lions look to get first win of the season versus unbeaten Elks

Jim Morris, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Preview

‘Need to clean up’: Lions look to get first win of the season versus unbeaten Elks

Jim Morris, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Friday, Jul. 3, 2026

KELOWNA - The B.C. Lions have done a lot of things right, but it’s what they’ve done wrong that has resulted in them starting the CFL season 0-3.

Take their 41-33 loss to the Calgary Stampeders last weekend.

A fumble on a kickoff return late in the second quarter resulted in the Stampeders scoring two touchdowns in just over a minute for a 10-point halftime lead. The Lions also gave up a 90-yard punt return in the fourth quarter.

B.C. head coach and offensive coordinator Buck Pierce knows the Lions have to reduce the mistakes to end their losing skid when they face the 3-0 Edmonton Elks Saturday in Kelowna, B.C.

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Friday, Jul. 3, 2026

CFL

Toronto Argonauts' Makai Polk (15) reaches for a pass as Calgary Stampeders' Zy Alexander intercepts during first half CFL football action in Calgary, Thursday, July 2, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh

Adams throws six touchdown passes, rushes for one in Stampeders’ 58-36 win over Argos

Donna Spencer, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Preview

Adams throws six touchdown passes, rushes for one in Stampeders’ 58-36 win over Argos

Donna Spencer, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Friday, Jul. 3, 2026

CALGARY - Calgary Stampeders quarterback Vernon Adams Jr. lived up to his "Big Play V.A." nickname Thursday.

The Stampeders quarterback tied a franchise record for touchdown passes in a single game with six and rushed for another in a 58-36 win over the visiting Toronto Argonauts to win the "Stampede Bowl" a second straight year.

The 33-year-old Adams, in his second season with the Stampeders, completed 80 per cent of his passes for 405 yards and has yet to give up an interception this season.

Adams joined four other Stampeders for the record for touchdown passes in a single game: Peter Liske (1967), Doug Flutie (1994), Jeff Garcia (1995), and current Stampeders coach and general manager Dave Dickenson (2000).

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Friday, Jul. 3, 2026

CFL

Ottawa Redblacks' Keelan White, left, makes a touchdown catch as Montreal Alouettes' Faion Hicks (31) defends during second half CFL football action in Montreal, on Sunday, June 28, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graham Hughes

Redblacks see Roughriders visit as a chance to turn season around

Lisa Wallace, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Preview

Redblacks see Roughriders visit as a chance to turn season around

Lisa Wallace, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Thursday, Jul. 2, 2026

OTTAWA - When the Ottawa Redblacks host the Saskatchewan Roughriders Friday night, there will be plenty of familiar faces on the opposing sideline.

But a reunion is not the focus as Ottawa looks to turn around its slow start with a win over the defending Grey Cup champions. The 0-3 Redblacks will be taking on a Saskatchewan squad looking to bounce back from a disappointing 40-34 loss to Toronto last week.

“It’s a must-win, it’s a great turning point for our season,” said Ottawa defensive lineman Habakkuk Baldonado, who spent the past three seasons in Saskatchewan. "The first three games didn’t go how we wanted them to go, but I think we showed a lot of great things. We showed that we’re improving, and we’re going to get there fast.”

The Redblacks showed signs of progress in last week's 37-35 loss to the Montreal Alouettes, breaking out for 29 second-half points in a comeback that ultimately fell short.

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Thursday, Jul. 2, 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

Health

FILE - Former Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson visits the field during the second half of an NFL football game against the New York Jets, Sept. 15, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV, file)

Chris Johnson seeking revival of Ice Bucket Challenge as he continues his fight against ALS

The Associated Press 3 minute read Preview

Chris Johnson seeking revival of Ice Bucket Challenge as he continues his fight against ALS

The Associated Press 3 minute read Wednesday, Jul. 1, 2026

Former NFL star Chris Johnson is bringing back the Ice Bucket Challenge to raise awareness of ALS as he fights the fatal nervous system disease.

The Ice Bucket Challenge gained popularity in the summer of 2014 as a way to raise ALS awareness. People took a video or photo as they got a bucket of ice water dumped on them, and they’d challenge friends or relatives to do the same.

According to the ALS Therapy Development Institute, the drive helped raise an estimated $135 million in the United States and $220 million worldwide in the fight against ALS.

Johnson attempted to boost the cause once more in an Instagram post Wednesday, two days after announcing on “Good Morning America” that he’s dealing with ALS.

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Wednesday, Jul. 1, 2026

CFL

Calgary Stampeders' Tyreik McAllister (34) runs for a punt return touchdown against the B.C. Lions during second half CFL football action in Kelowna, B.C., on Saturday, June 27, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Steve Dunsmoor

McAllister back in CFL groove as Stampeders prepare to host Argonauts

Donna Spencer, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Preview

McAllister back in CFL groove as Stampeders prepare to host Argonauts

Donna Spencer, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Wednesday, Jul. 1, 2026

CALGARY - Tyreik McAllister didn't know much about the Stampede Bowl, but the Calgary Stampeders' big-play returner donned a cowboy hat Wednesday and said he's ready to find out more.

The Stampeders (1-2) are at home Thursday to the Toronto Argonauts (2-1) in the Stampede Bowl, which was introduced last year to connect Calgary's CFL game to the annual Calgary Stampede that dates back over 100 years and starts Friday. 

A bespoke trophy resembling a horse's head goes to Thursday's winner at McMahon Stadium. Calgary beat the Winnipeg Blue Bombers for it in 2025.

The 28-year-old McAllister has scored return touchdowns in back-to-back games for the first time in his life at any level of football. 

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Wednesday, Jul. 1, 2026

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