Better showing for Bombers backup Elgersma

Thank goodness that’s over with.

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers, featuring a roster of newcomers, up-and-comers and the soon to be unemployed, closed out the pre-season Friday night at Princess Auto Stadium with a 30-19 loss to the B.C. Lions.

The Blue and Gold finish tune-up time at 0-2 after falling 31-27 to the Saskatchewan Roughriders in Saskatoon last weekend.

The Bombers will make their final cuts in the next 24 hours before shifting gears to Week 1,where they open the 2026 campaign on the road against the Calgary Stampeders on Friday (8 p.m. CT kickoff).

Even though the 26,269 fans in attendance likely forgot everything about Friday’s contest by the time they reached the parking lot, let’s dive in with some notes and analysis.

Elgersma bounces back

To be blunt, Taylor Elgersma stunk in his pre-season debut.

The 24-year-old Canadian, who was far and away one of the most impressive players in training camp, went 6-for-13 for 78 yards and two interceptions last week against the Riders.

Against the Lions, however, Elgersma took a step in the right direction.

He was far from fantastic, but in his defence, his top weapons were a pair of unproven rookies in Christian Fredericksen and Dorian Singer.

Elgersma started the evening with a bang by marching the Bombers down the field on a 10-play, 73-yard touchdown drive capped off by a two-yard QB sneak.

His best throw came on the next possession when he aired out a nearly 50-yard strike over the middle to Singer, but the ball bounced off the receiver’s mitts.

That would’ve been a big boost to Elgersma’s stat line, who instead settled for 11-for-20 for 127 yards and no turnovers.

The Bombers have made it clear that he’s the No. 2 pivot behind Zach Collaros as head coach Mike O’Shea trotted Elgersma out for three quarters of work under centre.

 

Run Perkins run

For the second week in a row, Bryce Perkins was given the fourth quarter to show what he can do.

Last year’s UFL MVP caught a huge break on his first passing attempt as it was intercepted by Lions linebacker Parker McKenna, but it was waved off thanks to defensive back Morice Norris being flagged for illegal contact.

With the ball near midfield later in the fourth, Perkins botched a chance to shine when he overthrew a wide-open Jihad Marks by a mile for what should’ve been a highlight scoring play.

The former Los Angeles Ram did find the end zone on his last possession when he executed a 12-play, 77-yard drive that he punctuated with a one-yard plunge.

Perkins completed six-of-nine attempts for 48 yards. While he didn’t blow anyone away with his arm, he dazzled with his legs, demonstrating his ability to make something out of nothing when the pocket collapses. The 29-year-old ran seven times for 36 yards.

Perkins needs a lot of seasoning before he can make a name for himself as a passer in three-down loop, but with his athleticism, he can be one of the best short-yardage guys in the CFL immediately.

 

Fredericksen feeling good

It was a quiet night for everyone on offence except for Fredericksen.

The receiver out of Idaho State had the trust of both Elgersma and Perkins and finished with six grabs for 79 yards with 41 of those coming after the catch.

The Bombers discovered Fredericksen at a free agent camp this winter, and the 6-3, 209 pounder was a reliable target all throughout training camp.

The club is loaded at the position with Ontaria Wilson, Nic Demski, Tim White and Tommy Nield, but Fredericksen has proven he deserves to be stashed on the practice roster at the very least.

 

Locals in blue

Say what you will about pre-season football, but Friday was a huge deal for a pair of Winnipeg Rifles — receiver Jarome Penner and linebacker Cohen McCluskey — who got to suit up for their hometown’s pro team.

Penner, one of the Canadian Junior Football League’s most talented pass catchers, ran a few routes late and had a reception for no gain.

Jackson Tachinski, the former star quarterback for the Manitoba Bisons, also had a catch for 11 yards.

 

Not again, Burrell

The Riders scored the game-winning touchdown with rookie corner Warren Burrell in coverage last week.

Burrell, once again, surrendered a TD on Friday when Lions QB Kaidon Salter connected with Kieran Poissant for a 24-yard score with under three minutes to go.

Out of all the fresh faces vying for the opening corner job, Major Williams had the best showing with four defensive tackles and a special teams takedown.

Williams, a 24-year-old out of Carson-Newman, participated in the Kansas City Chiefs’ rookie minicamp last year before earning a spot on their pre-season roster.

 

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