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John Woods / THE CANADIAN PRESS Winnipeg QB Zach Collaros (right) hands off to Brady Oliveira during the Bombers victory over the Saskatchewan Roughriders on Friday.

Bombers ready to dig deep in pursuit of sixth consecutive Grey Cup appearance

Jeff Hamilton 6 minute read Yesterday at 7:15 PM CDT

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The Winnipeg Blue Bombers know better than any team in the CFL what it takes at this time of year to make it to the Grey Cup.

The Bombers have set the standard for consistency in recent years, appearing in the championship game the last five seasons and hoisting the trophy twice. As they chase a sixth consecutive Grey Cup appearance, the Blue and Gold have been anything but their usual selves; their struggling play this year is leading to more questions than answers.

The biggest question: Can the Bombers flip the switch in time to make a serious push for the Grey Cup, a game that is happening in their own backyard?

“We still have time,” Bombers head coach Mike O’Shea said following Monday’s rain-filled practice. “There’s enough time.”

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Didn’t like it, but Bombers will take it

Joshua Frey-Sam 8 minute read Preview

Didn’t like it, but Bombers will take it

Joshua Frey-Sam 8 minute read Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025

The scoreboard showed a win, but Zach Collaros’s face said otherwise.

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers’ quarterback’s lips quivered out of frustration as he fielded questions following another lacklustre offensive performance in a 17-16 victory over the Saskatchewan Roughriders at Princess Auto Stadium on Friday.

Victory aside, the disappointment shared among players, especially those on the offence, was palpable after barely escaping a Roughriders team that rested many of its best players with the top seed in the West Division already locked up.

Sure, the win essentially solidified Winnipeg’s berth in the CFL playoffs for the ninth straight year — which was made official when the B.C. Lions defeated the Edmonton Elks later in the evening — but for a team that was hoping to stack positive performances heading into the post-season, this was a play or two from ending as an inexcusable blunder.

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Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025

Winnipeg Blue Bombers kicker Sergio Castillo (14) celebrates his game-winning field goal against the Saskatchewan Roughriders during second half CFL action in Winnipeg Friday, October 17, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/John Woods
Winnipeg Blue Bombers kicker Sergio Castillo (14) celebrates his game-winning field goal against the Saskatchewan Roughriders during second half CFL action in Winnipeg Friday, October 17, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/John Woods

Bombers avoid major upset as Castillo nails walk-off field goal against Roughriders’ second-stringers

Joshua Frey-Sam 7 minute read Preview

Bombers avoid major upset as Castillo nails walk-off field goal against Roughriders’ second-stringers

Joshua Frey-Sam 7 minute read Friday, Oct. 17, 2025

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers earned nothing in the way of style points but can say they got the job done.

The Bombers were presented with a rare gift by their prairie rival Saskatchewan Roughriders — who rested multiple starters on both sides of the ball and played their backup and third-string quarterbacks with the No. 1 seed in the West Division locked up. Despite the threat of a major upset for most of the contest, the Bombers found a way to capitalize on a golden opportunity in a 17-16 victory, in front of a 13th consecutive sellout crowd at Princess Auto Stadium on Friday.

The victory alone doesn’t secure Winnipeg’s seat in the CFL playoffs, but it does put the club in a prime position to reach the post-season for the ninth consecutive year. A loss by the Edmonton Elks — who, at the time of writing, were playing the B.C. Lions — or a win by the Calgary Stampeders (hosting the Toronto Argonauts on Saturday) would do the trick.

The Bombers (9-8) were plagued by a stagnant offence and several miscues for much of the game, but a 22-yard field goal by Sergio Castillo as time expired erased what was an otherwise unimpressive performance from the club.

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Friday, Oct. 17, 2025

John Woods / THE CANADIAN PRESS

Blue Bombers kicker Sergio Castillo (left) celebrates his game-winning field goal Friday against the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
John Woods / THE CANADIAN PRESS Blue Bombers kicker Sergio Castillo (left) celebrates his game-winning field goal Friday against the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

Alouettes announce extensions for GM Danny Maciocia, head coach Jason Maas

The Canadian Press 2 minute read Preview

Alouettes announce extensions for GM Danny Maciocia, head coach Jason Maas

The Canadian Press 2 minute read Yesterday at 11:22 AM CDT

MONTREAL - The Montreal Alouettes gave general manager Danny Maciocia and head coach Jason Maas two-year contract extensions Monday.

Maciocia, who also serves as Montreal's senior vice-president of football operations, remains under contract with the CFL club through the 2029 season while Maas's new deal takes him through the '28 campaign.

Montreal (10-7) enters the final week of the CFL regular season tied with Hamilton atop the East Division. But the Tiger-Cats can clinch home field for the East final Nov. 8 with a home win Friday night over the Ottawa Redblacks.

Montreal finishes its regular season visiting the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on Saturday.

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Yesterday at 11:22 AM CDT

Jason Maas, left, shakes hands with Montreal Alouettes General Manager Danny Maciocia in Montreal, Tuesday, December 20, 2022, following a news conference announcing him as new head coach of the team. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graham Hughes
Jason Maas, left, shakes hands with Montreal Alouettes General Manager Danny Maciocia in Montreal, Tuesday, December 20, 2022, following a news conference announcing him as new head coach of the team. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graham Hughes

Bombers’ post-season push starts with rumble against Riders

Joshua Frey-Sam 6 minute read Preview

Bombers’ post-season push starts with rumble against Riders

Joshua Frey-Sam 6 minute read Friday, Oct. 17, 2025

The opportunity is there for the seizing, and there is no better time for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers to make their biggest push for a spot in the CFL playoffs.

Having already secured the No. 1 seed in the West Division, the Roughriders (12-4) will sit several of their key players when they travel to Winnipeg to face the Bombers at Princess Auto Stadium on Friday (7 p.m.). It’s as great a gift as the Riders could give their prairie rivals, who will be fighting to maintain control of their destiny.

The time needs to be now for the Bombers. Failing to take advantage on Friday could set them up for a must-win date in Week 21 against the Montreal Alouettes, who could have plenty left to play for and would give Winnipeg their best shot.

“Both teams are going out, trying to win every game. That’s nothing new,” said head coach Mike O’Shea.

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Friday, Oct. 17, 2025

Amber Bracken / THE CANADIAN PRESS

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers will be facing a second-string Saskatchewan Roughriders lineup in Friday’s action. Receiver Ontaria Wilson (80) will look to have another circus-catch filled game like he did last Saturday against the Edmonton Elks.
Amber Bracken / THE CANADIAN PRESS The Winnipeg Blue Bombers will be facing a second-string Saskatchewan Roughriders lineup in Friday’s action. Receiver Ontaria Wilson (80) will look to have another circus-catch filled game like he did last Saturday against the Edmonton Elks.

Dedrick Mills rushes for 115 yards, Stampeders trample Argonauts 44-13

Donna Spencer, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Preview

Dedrick Mills rushes for 115 yards, Stampeders trample Argonauts 44-13

Donna Spencer, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025

CALGARY - The Calgary Stampeders have a CFL playoff berth in the bag with more to play for in the final week of the regular season.

After a 44-13 romp over the Toronto Argonauts on Saturday, the Stampeders were still in contention to host that playoff game at McMahon Stadium, but require some help.

Calgary (10-7) needs to beat the Edmonton Elks on Friday and the Saskatchewan Roughriders to defeat the B.C. Lions (10-7) the following day for the Stampeders to secure second in the West Division and get the division semifinal at home Nov. 1.

The Lions hold the tiebreaker after going 2-0 against Calgary in the regular season.

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Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025

Toronto Argonauts' Da'Marcus Johnson, centre, closes in on Calgary Stampeders quarterback Vernon Adams Jr. during first half CFL football action in Calgary, Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh
Toronto Argonauts' Da'Marcus Johnson, centre, closes in on Calgary Stampeders quarterback Vernon Adams Jr. during first half CFL football action in Calgary, Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh

Adams shines in rare start but unable to lead Redblacks to win over Alouettes

David Cummings, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Preview

Adams shines in rare start but unable to lead Redblacks to win over Alouettes

David Cummings, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025

OTTAWA - In a duel that saw the Montreal Alouettes cruise to a 39-28 win over the Ottawa Redblacks on Saturday, the two East Division rivals couldn’t have more opposite outlooks heading into the final week of the regular season.

With the win, the Alouettes tied the Hamilton Tiger-Cats for first in the East and extended their win streak to five games.

With just one game to go in the regular season, the Alouettes have a chance at earning a bye through the first round of the playoffs if they can finish on top of their division.

For the Redblacks (4-13), a second straight loss to the Alouettes (10-7) after falling 30-10 in Montreal on Monday is another demoralizing blow after a season spent at the bottom of the CFL standings. 

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Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025

Ottawa Redblacks quarterback Tyrie Adams (7) is tackled by Montreal Alouettes defensive lineman Joshua Archibald (97) after throwing the ball during first half CFL action in Ottawa, Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Spencer Colby
Ottawa Redblacks quarterback Tyrie Adams (7) is tackled by Montreal Alouettes defensive lineman Joshua Archibald (97) after throwing the ball during first half CFL action in Ottawa, Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Spencer Colby

Alouettes top Redblacks 39-28 to extend win streak to five games

David Cummings, The Canadian Press 3 minute read Preview

Alouettes top Redblacks 39-28 to extend win streak to five games

David Cummings, The Canadian Press 3 minute read Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025

OTTAWA - The Montreal Alouettes tied the Hamilton Tiger-Cats for first in the East Division and extended their win streak to five games with a 39-28 victory over the Ottawa Redblacks on Saturday.

With just one game to go in the regular season, the Alouettes have a chance at earning a bye through the first round of the playoffs if they can finish top of their division.

For the Redblacks (4-13), it’s the second straight loss to the Alouettes (10-7) after falling 30-10 in Montreal on Monday.

The Alouettes fielded quarterback Davis Alexander, who extended his CFL record career-opening run to 11 straight wins. In this one, Alexander completed 21 of his 31 passes for 328 yards.

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Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025

Montreal Alouettes quarterback Davis Alexander (10) looks for a pass during first half CFL action against the Ottawa Redblacks in Ottawa, Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Spencer Colby
Montreal Alouettes quarterback Davis Alexander (10) looks for a pass during first half CFL action against the Ottawa Redblacks in Ottawa, Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Spencer Colby

Carter interception, TD run key in surging Lions’ 37-24 win over Elks

Jim Morris, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Preview

Carter interception, TD run key in surging Lions’ 37-24 win over Elks

Jim Morris, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025

VANCOUVER - Even though he made one of the biggest plays of the game, B.C. Lions cornerback Robert Carter Jr. still had a regret.

Carter picked off a Cody Fajardo pass early in the third quarter and returned it 50 yards for a touchdown as the Lions overcame a deficit by rattling off 25 consecutive points in a 37-24 win that eliminated the Edmonton Elks from the CFL playoffs Friday night.

Carter was so excited after giving the Lions a 17-10 lead he threw the ball into the stands.

“I didn’t need to throw the ball into the stands,” he said after. “I actually regret that now.”

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Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025

Edmonton Elks' Kurleigh Gittens Jr., front is unable to hold onto the ball on a reception as he's hit by B.C. Lions' Robert Carter Jr. during the second half of a CFL football game, in Vancouver, on Friday, Oct. 17, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck
Edmonton Elks' Kurleigh Gittens Jr., front is unable to hold onto the ball on a reception as he's hit by B.C. Lions' Robert Carter Jr. during the second half of a CFL football game, in Vancouver, on Friday, Oct. 17, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

Lions win fifth straight, eliminate Elks from playoff picture with 37-24 decision

Jim Morris, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Preview

Lions win fifth straight, eliminate Elks from playoff picture with 37-24 decision

Jim Morris, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025

VANCOUVER - Quarterback Nathan Rourke scored on a 70-yard run in the third quarter as the B.C. Lions erased an early deficit by rattling off 25 consecutive points in a 37-24 win that eliminated the Edmonton Elks from the CFL playoffs on Friday.

Cornerback Robert Carter Jr. also returned an interception 50 yards for a touchdown as the Lions won their fifth consecutive game to improve to 10-7 and move into second place in the CFL West.

The Elks saw a two-game win-streak snapped and dropped to 7-10, last in the West and eliminated from the post-season picture. Edmonton led 10-2 midway through the second quarter.

Rourke competed 21 of 32 passes for 338 yards, a touchdown and an interception.

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Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025

B.C. Lions quarterback Nathan Rourke passes during the first half of a CFL football game against the Edmonton Elks, in Vancouver, on Friday, Oct. 17, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck
B.C. Lions quarterback Nathan Rourke passes during the first half of a CFL football game against the Edmonton Elks, in Vancouver, on Friday, Oct. 17, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

Bombers win ugly to keep playoff hopes alive

Judy Owen, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Preview

Bombers win ugly to keep playoff hopes alive

Judy Owen, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025

WINNIPEG - Zach Collaros was succinct in his assessment of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers' offence after Friday's 17-16 victory over the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

“I didn’t like anything,” the Blue Bombers quarterback said. “We didn’t do anything well.”

Collaros completed 15 of 24 pass attempts for 182 yards with one touchdown toss and one interception.

As has often been the case this season, Winnipeg's defence and special teams made up for a lack of offensive output.

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Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025

Winnipeg Blue Bombers' Jamieson Sheahan (18), kicker Sergio Castillo (14) and Ian Leroux (42) celebrate Castillo's game-winning field goal against the Saskatchewan Roughriders during second half CFL action in Winnipeg Friday, October 17, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/John Woods
Winnipeg Blue Bombers' Jamieson Sheahan (18), kicker Sergio Castillo (14) and Ian Leroux (42) celebrate Castillo's game-winning field goal against the Saskatchewan Roughriders during second half CFL action in Winnipeg Friday, October 17, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/John Woods

Blue Bombers beat Roughriders 17-16 on Castillo’s last-second field goal

Judy Owen, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Preview

Blue Bombers beat Roughriders 17-16 on Castillo’s last-second field goal

Judy Owen, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Friday, Oct. 17, 2025

WINNIPEG - Sergio Castillo kicked a 22-yard field goal as time expired to help the Winnipeg Blue Bombers do just enough for a 17-16 victory over the Saskatchewan Roughriders on Friday.

Despite the outcome, Winnipeg (9-8) is waiting until after Friday's late game in B.C. between the Lions and Edmonton Elks to find out if it grabbed a playoff berth. If the Elks lose, the Blue Bombers qualify for the post-season.

The West Division-leading Roughriders (12-5) already clinched first place and fielded a squad with a number of backups.

A 13th consecutive sellout of 32,343 fans at Princess Auto Stadium watched a game marred by penalties, fumbles and out-of-sync plays from both teams.

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Friday, Oct. 17, 2025

Winnipeg Blue Bombers’ Trey Vaval (23) fumbles the ball as he is tackled on the opening kick return by Saskatchewan Roughriders’ Kerfalla Exumé (20) during first half CFL action in Winnipeg, Friday, Oct. 17, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/John Woods
Winnipeg Blue Bombers’ Trey Vaval (23) fumbles the ball as he is tackled on the opening kick return by Saskatchewan Roughriders’ Kerfalla Exumé (20) during first half CFL action in Winnipeg, Friday, Oct. 17, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/John Woods

Calgary running back Mills says his head in a good place led to career season

Donna Spencer, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Preview

Calgary running back Mills says his head in a good place led to career season

Donna Spencer, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025

CALGARY - Dedrick Mills' life on the football field reflects his life off it.

The Calgary Stampeders running back is poised to claim the CFL's rushing title this season.

His 1,225 rushing yards with two games remaining in the regular season are already the most by a Stampeder since Jon Cornish (1,813) in 2013.

Mills was in a dark place in 2024. A friend and his cousin were killed in a car crash that spring in his home state of Georgia.

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Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025

Montreal Alouettes' Wesley Sutton (37) tackles Calgary Stampeders' Dedrick Mills (26) during second half CFL action, in Montreal on Friday, Sept. 26, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christopher Katsarov
Montreal Alouettes' Wesley Sutton (37) tackles Calgary Stampeders' Dedrick Mills (26) during second half CFL action, in Montreal on Friday, Sept. 26, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christopher Katsarov

Looking to next year, Redblacks give Adams the ball as they host Als

Lisa Wallace, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Preview

Looking to next year, Redblacks give Adams the ball as they host Als

Lisa Wallace, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Friday, Oct. 17, 2025

OTTAWA - With just two games left and already eliminated from the playoffs, the Ottawa Redblacks are thinking about next year. 

The evaluation will start Saturday afternoon when quarterback Tyree Adams gets his first start of the season as the Redblacks (4-12) play the back half of a home-and-home with the Montreal Alouettes (9-7).

The Alouettes, winners of their last four, can move into a tie with Hamilton for first in the East Division with a victory Saturday.

Adams hasn’t factored in a game for the Redblacks since 2023 and in his few appearances is 31-for-49-for 412 yards.

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Friday, Oct. 17, 2025

Ottawa Redblacks' Justin Hardy (2) attempts a catch as Montreal Alouettes' Marc-Antoine Dequoy (24) and Wesley Sutton (37) defend during second half CFL football action in Montreal, Monday, Oct. 13, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graham Hughes
Ottawa Redblacks' Justin Hardy (2) attempts a catch as Montreal Alouettes' Marc-Antoine Dequoy (24) and Wesley Sutton (37) defend during second half CFL football action in Montreal, Monday, Oct. 13, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graham Hughes

Rapper/singer mgk to headline halftime show for 112th Grey Cup

The Canadian Press 1 minute read Preview

Rapper/singer mgk to headline halftime show for 112th Grey Cup

The Canadian Press 1 minute read Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025

Rapper and singer mgk will headline the halftime show at the 112th Grey Cup, the CFL announced Thursday.

The performer formerly known as Machine Gun Kelly has released seven studio albums, with his 2020 release "Tickets to my Downfall" certified double platinum in the United States.

His latest album, "Lost Americana," was released in August.

Our Lady Peace, who rose to prominence in their native Canada in the 1990s with alt-rock albums "Naveed" and "Clumsy," will headline the kickoff show, while country singer Catie St. Germain of Niverville, Man., will sing the national anthem.

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Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025

Machine Gun Kelly performs at halftime during an NFL football game between the Carolina Panthers and the New York Giants at Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Steve Luciano)
Machine Gun Kelly performs at halftime during an NFL football game between the Carolina Panthers and the New York Giants at Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Steve Luciano)

Bombers look to close in on playoff spot in crucial game against Riders

Judy Owen, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Preview

Bombers look to close in on playoff spot in crucial game against Riders

Judy Owen, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025

WINNIPEG - Friday night would be a good time for Gavin Cobb to haul in his first catch of the season.

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers receiver is replacing injured star Nic Demski (hamstring) in a crucial home game against the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

Cobb, who played receiver and returned kicks at the University of Manitoba, is ready to make an impact in his first start for Winnipeg. 

“I’ve been patiently preparing and grinding away and just waiting for this opportunity, man,” Cobb said Thursday after the team's rainy walk-through practice. 

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Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025

Winnipeg Blue Bombers' Evan Holm (right) and Edmonton Elks' Gavin Cobb (85) jump for the incomplete pass during first half CFL action in Edmonton, on Saturday September 21, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson
Winnipeg Blue Bombers' Evan Holm (right) and Edmonton Elks' Gavin Cobb (85) jump for the incomplete pass during first half CFL action in Edmonton, on Saturday September 21, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson

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