Jones finds home on Bombers’ D
Elks castoff fits right in replacing injured Wilson
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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 14/08/2024 (422 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
There are no guarantees in the world of professional football.
Just ask Tony Jones.
After appearing in 18 games for the Edmonton Elks last season — four of those being starts at linebacker — the 29-year-old defender was made to believe his future would be with the green and gold and that a promotion was headed his way.

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / FREE PRESS
The Blue Bombers were quick to sign linebacker Tony Jones after he was released by the Edmonton Elks.
“In our exit meetings, coach was telling me that I was the guy for them next year. We even met this offseason in Orlando, Fla., where I live,” Jones told the Free Press Wednesday.
“(Now former head coach) Chris Jones and (interim general manager) Geroy Simon came down and we had dinner. They were basically saying I’m the guy.”
Turns out that wasn’t the case.
The Elks ended up cutting the former Texas Tech Red Raider at the end of training camp.
“I didn’t see anything coming. I was with the ones the whole camp, making plays, and was told I was a guy living up to the expectations, I was just trying to do everything right and out of the blue, it happened. It was rough,” said Jones.
“So, being released, it just makes you want to come out and work that much harder.”
A week later, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers swooped in and added him to the practice roster. He dressed for the first time in Week 7 in a 19-9 loss in Saskatchewan. The Bombers also lost starting weak-side linebacker Kyrie Wilson to a shoulder injury on the final play of the third quarter, leading to the veteran being placed on the six-game injured list.
Jones has started in Wilson’s place the past two games and has quickly won over his teammates.
“If I’m in a dark alley at 3 a.m., I want him by my side,” said Bombers dime back Redha Kramdi.
“He’s a dog, he’s not gonna back down. He’s up to the challenge, and he’s a soldier. On the field, me or Biggie (Adam Bighill) or whoever can tell him to do this, and he’ll do it 100 per cent. I love it. He’s got a great motor, great speed, I love playing next to him. He’s great.”
Coaches, too.
Jones has three defensive tackles and four special teams tackles in three games in blue and gold.
The Bombers (3-6) are in Vancouver Sunday to take on the B.C. Lions (5-4) at 6 p.m. CT.
“He’s done a really good job. An admirable job for a guy who didn’t have a training camp (with us),” said defensive co-ordinator Jordan Younger.
“He had to come in and learn on the run. He’s a professional in the sense that he’s engaged every day, taking notes, and rarely makes the same mistake twice and to me, that’s the testament of a true professional.”
He initially began his pro career in 2021 with the Indoor Football League’s Iowa Barnstormers where he was named the defensive rookie of the year. He came up north in 2022 to sign with the Toronto Argonauts before closing out the year with Edmonton.
Despite being a new face in Winnipeg, Jones feels right at home. He’s also helped the defence play at a high level as they’ve allowed just nine points in his eight quarters as a starter.
“I love it here. Everyone holds each other accountable,” said Jones. “When it’s time to work, it’s time to work. Just every little detail is more emphasized here.”
The 6-2, 235-pounder grew up playing running back until he got moved to defence in college. Perhaps that helped him earn the blessing from former Bombers star running back Andrew Harris to wear his old No. 33.
“I was with Andrew when I went to Toronto. So, he hit me up and said, ‘Wear that number with pride,’” said Jones. “Andrew’s my guy.”
LUCKY TO RETURN KICKS
Lucky Whitehead may have had an impressive season debut at wide receiver, but it doesn’t look like he’ll start on offence against his former team this weekend.
Whitehead will handle the return specialist gig as Kody Case has been relegated to the practice roster. With Kenny Lawler (broken arm) returning to practice this week, Whitehead — who caught six passes for 56 yards and a touchdown in Week 9’s 25-0 win at home vs. B.C. — has mostly worked with the No. 2 offence in addition to his return-specialist role.
Case was demoted as the 32-year-old Whitehead brings more to the table as a backup receiver.
“He’s done it before, he’s scored,” said head coach Mike O’Shea on Whitehead’s return ability. “He’s got good vision. His ability to use his blockers is pretty damn good, too.”
Rookie receiver Josh Johnson has 16 catches for 117 yards in six games and continues to work with the starters.
“Josh is a good football player, too. He’s tough. He brings it, he punches way above his weight class, so, you like that kind of grit,” said O’Shea.
LIONS CUT DOLEGALA
One day after signing star Canadian quarterback Nathan Rourke to a three-year deal, the B.C. Lions have released former No. 2 pivot Jake Dolegala.
Rourke, who was released by the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons Sunday, took the first-team reps Wednesday and is expected to start Sunday.
taylor.allen@freepress.mb.ca
X: @TaylorAllen31

Taylor Allen is a sports reporter for the Winnipeg Free Press. Taylor was the Vince Leah intern in the Free Press newsroom twice while earning his joint communications degree/diploma at the University of Winnipeg and Red River College Polytechnic. He signed on full-time in 2019 and mainly covers the Blue Bombers, curling, and basketball. Read more about Taylor.
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