Bomber Report

Bomber Report

MIKE DEAL / FREE PRESS Winnipeg Blue Bombers defensive back Nick Hallett (21) believes he has something to prove after feeling like he wasn’t as good last season with the Blue and Gold.

Bombers’ Hallett back with a chip on his shoulder

Taylor Allen 7 minute read Yesterday at 6:12 PM CDT

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Nick Hallett was the last returning Blue Bomber to be offered a contract this off-season.

It looked like the club was moving on from the 32-year-old special teams ace when finally, a deal got done on Feb. 11.

Even though he had to wait the longest for it to be his turn, the defensive back from London, Ont., has no complaints. If anything, he understands why it might have gone down to the wire.

“I’m really happy to just be back on the team this year,” Hallett told the Free Press after Wednesday’s training camp session.

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Bomber Report

MIKE DEAL / FREE PRESS Receiver Jackson Tachinski (89) during Winnipeg Blue Bomber’s training camp at Princess Auto Stadium Tuesday. 260519 - Tuesday, May 19, 2026.

Jackson Tachinski back in Bomberville as pass catcher

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Jackson Tachinski back in Bomberville as pass catcher

Taylor Allen 5 minute read Tuesday, May. 19, 2026

Jackson Tachinski knows a thing or two about tossing touchdowns at Princess Auto Stadium.

The former Manitoba Bisons quarterback is now hoping he can be on the receiving end of a few as a professional.

On Tuesday, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers signed the local product with the intention of using him as a wide receiver.

He was in training camp with the Edmonton Elks last year as a freshly converted pass catcher, then signed by them in December after his final U Sports season. The Elks cut him last week, making the Winnipegger available for hire.

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Tuesday, May. 19, 2026

Bomber Report

MIKE DEAL / FREE PRESS Wide receiver Christian Fredericksen (left) said training camp with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers is ‘like a dream come true.’

Bombers’ receiver puts health-care career on hold to chase football dream

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Bombers’ receiver puts health-care career on hold to chase football dream

Taylor Allen 5 minute read Tuesday, May. 19, 2026

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers are fortunate that Christian Fredericksen wasn’t discouraged by his first CFL free agent camp.

A year ago, the wide receiver from Rigby, Idaho, made the long drive to Seattle with his cleats and a $100 registration fee to attend an audition hosted by the B.C. Lions — an experience that proved less than ideal.

“It just felt like a cash grab,” Fredericksen admitted after Tuesday’s training camp session.

“About 80 per cent of the players there hadn’t played past high school. I was bummed because it didn’t matter how well I did.”

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Tuesday, May. 19, 2026

Bomber Report

JOHN WOODS / FREE PRESS Jovan Santos-Knox (45) at Blue Bomber training camp Sunday, May 10, 2026. reporter: taylor

Bombers linebacker Santos-Knox out for season with injury

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Bombers linebacker Santos-Knox out for season with injury

Taylor Allen 3 minute read Monday, May. 18, 2026

Jovan Santos-Knox will not suit up for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in 2026.

The veteran linebacker suffered an apparent non-contact right leg injury 90 minutes into the opening day of training camp on May 10. On Monday, head coach Mike O’Shea confirmed the injury to the 31-year-old is season-ending.

Santos-Knox crumpled to the turf during a running drill and had to be helped off the field by two staff members.

“He was brought here for a reason — we had him here when he started and liked everything about him. He ends up not in our building, we watched him from afar and enjoyed the way he plays and the way he leads, especially,” said O’Shea.

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Monday, May. 18, 2026

Bomber Report

MIKE DEAL / FREE PRESS FILES Winnipeg Blue Bombers picked up defensive lineman Kemari Munier-Bailey from Birmingham, England, in last year’s CFL Global Draft.

Bombers’ Munier-Bailey looking to prove pro dreams possible to siblings back home

Zoe Pierce 5 minute read Preview

Bombers’ Munier-Bailey looking to prove pro dreams possible to siblings back home

Zoe Pierce 5 minute read Friday, May. 15, 2026

A year ago, Kemari Munier-Bailey arrived at Winnipeg Blue Bombers training camp trying to adjust to a new league, new coaches and a new country.

After spending most of last season on the practice roster learning the CFL game, the Global defensive lineman from Birmingham, England, enters camp this year in a much different position — competing to earn a roster spot.

Munier-Bailey smiled as he recalled watching games last season with teammates, saying the loud crowds and atmosphere at Princess Auto Stadium kept motivating him to push through another week.

“You’re still doing something great, you still started something great,” Munier-Bailey said of the mindset he tried to maintain while on the practice roster. “That’s how I was trying to look at it.”

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Friday, May. 15, 2026

Bomber Report

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / FREE PRESS Winnipeg Blue Bombers offensive lineman Jarell Broxton (right) said he always strives to be a ‘student of the game.’

Bombers’ Broxton ready for business as O-lineman enters sixth CFL season

Zoe Pierce 5 minute read Preview

Bombers’ Broxton ready for business as O-lineman enters sixth CFL season

Zoe Pierce 5 minute read Thursday, May. 14, 2026

Being sacked 37 times during the 2025 season was far from ideal for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers’ offence.

The Blue and Gold finished last in the CFL in passing yards per game with 235, while quarterback Zach Collaros was brought down 19 times alone.

For comparison, the BC Lions allowed a league-low 20 sacks all season.

Now, one of the key pieces from that Lions offensive line believes he can help change things.

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Thursday, May. 14, 2026

Bomber Report

Matt Kelley / THE ASSOCIATED PRESS FILES Winnipeg Blue Bombers defensive lineman Nuer Gatkuoth (7), who hit training camp for the first time Wednesday after arriving in the city Tuesday night, said his goal is to prop up the team anyway he can.

Bombers’ Gatkuoth feeling at home as draft pick hits turf at training camp

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Bombers’ Gatkuoth feeling at home as draft pick hits turf at training camp

Zoe Pierce 6 minute read Wednesday, May. 13, 2026

It’s been a whirlwind few days for Nuer Gatkuoth.

On Sunday, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers’ fourth overall pick in the 2026 CFL Draft wrapped up rookie mini-camp with the Denver Broncos. While the 24-year-old Edmonton product didn’t land an NFL contract, he quickly shifted his focus north to Winnipeg.

Gatkuoth arrived in the city Tuesday night — his first time in the ’Peg — grabbed dinner, sat through meetings and then reported to Princess Auto Stadium Wednesday morning for his first taste of Blue Bombers training camp, which started Sunday.

“I grew up Canadian, so I love Canadian ball,” Gatkuoth said. “So once I didn’t get the shot with Denver, I was like, immediately, let me go play with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Because, you know, I grew up watching the CFL. I was an Elks fan as a kid. So coming here is great, I love the Blue.”

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Wednesday, May. 13, 2026

Bomber Report

Ruth Bonneville / FREE PRESS Winnipeg Blue Bombers offensive lineman Tui Eli (65) is gearing up for his sixth season with the club. Eli signed a two-year extension with the Blue and Gold this past off-season.

Only compliments from Bombers roster for offensive lineman Eli

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Only compliments from Bombers roster for offensive lineman Eli

Taylor Allen 6 minute read Tuesday, May. 12, 2026

You’d think Tui Eli has the patience of a saint.

He’s been a Winnipeg Blue Bomber for five seasons, and yet, the Canadian offensive lineman has started just six games.

Instead of being a full-timer in the trenches, the University of Hawai’i product has been used as a reliable and versatile rotational piece — with zero complaints.

“He will, a lot of times, put other people first and he will always put the team first. So, if you ask him to do something, he’s not going to show any type of disappointment or anything like that — that’s his role and he will not only accept it, but do whatever he can to thrive in that role for everybody else,” said head coach Mike O’Shea after Wednesday’s training camp session.

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Tuesday, May. 12, 2026

Bomber Report

Winnipeg Blue Bombers' Trey Vaval (23) defends against Joey Corcoran (81) during their CFL football training camp in Winnipeg on Monday, May 11, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/John Woods

Bombers return star Vaval pushing for starting role on defence in second CFL season

Jeff Hamilton, The Canadian Press 6 minute read Preview

Bombers return star Vaval pushing for starting role on defence in second CFL season

Jeff Hamilton, The Canadian Press 6 minute read Tuesday, May. 12, 2026

WINNIPEG - Trey Vaval dominated the CFL in 2025, rewriting league and franchise record books during a historic rookie season.

As the Winnipeg Blue Bombers open training camp, many around the three-down game are wondering what the dynamic returner has planned for an encore in his second year. While fans might expect more record-breaking returns, Vaval's second act is aimed at a completely different phase of the game.

With significant vacancies in the club's secondary, the 25-year-old hopes to parlay his success as a specialist into a full-time starting role on defence.

"I believe I can make an impact on defence. But no matter where I am on the field, I just want to be out there helping my team," Vaval said, standing in the south end zone at Princess Auto Stadium Sunday following the league's first day of training camp. "I want to play every spot — returning, defence, offence. I will do anything for my team."

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Tuesday, May. 12, 2026

Bomber Report

Ruth Bonneville Free Press De’Shaan Dixon, at Winnipeg Blue Bombers training camp on Monday, is willing to accept any role that’s offered.

Dixon turning heads at Bomber camp

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Dixon turning heads at Bomber camp

Taylor Allen 6 minute read Monday, May. 11, 2026

You want to make a statement in training camp?

Just take a page out of De’Shaan Dixon’s playbook and steamroll the most decorated offensive lineman in CFL history in a one-on-one drill.

That’ll get people talking.

“I was surprised, but it’s all good,” admitted left tackle Stanley Bryant after Monday’s session. The rep in question occurred on Day 1 on Sunday.

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Monday, May. 11, 2026

Bomber Report

JOHN WOODS / FREE PRESS Quarterback Zach Collaros throws at Blue Bomber training camp as head coach Mike O’Shea looks on Sunday.

Blue Bombers training camp begins with excitement

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Blue Bombers training camp begins with excitement

Taylor Allen 6 minute read Sunday, May. 10, 2026

The first day of training camp can even riddle a franchise player with nerves.

“It’s all anxiety, I’m not gonna lie,” admitted receiver Nic Demski after Sunday’s opening session in a chat with the Free Press.

“But I mean, it’s funny because I was literally about to go to sleep last night and I looked at my (partner) and was like ‘I’m nervous as hell right now.’ She just looked at me and said ‘That’s how you know you still love it.’ And it’s true.”

“We are human after all, believe it or not.”

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Sunday, May. 10, 2026

Bomber Report

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / FREE PRESS Tyler Elsbury (#64) during Bombers rookie camp at Princess Auto Stadium on Friday, May 8, 2026. For Taylor story. Free Press 2026

Bombers’ rookie linesman Elsbury looking to stick around this season

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Bombers’ rookie linesman Elsbury looking to stick around this season

Taylor Allen 6 minute read Friday, May. 8, 2026

It’s hard to knock Tyler Elsbury for starting just six games in five years at the University of Iowa.

He was part of a loaded offensive lineman room that featured five players selected across the past two editions of the NFL draft.

And when Elsbury first arrived on campus in 2020, he was behind Tyler Linderbaum — a first-round draft pick by the Baltimore Ravens in 2022 who is now the highest-paid centre in the NFL.

Elsbury could’ve transferred to a different school for his final two years to become a full-timer, but he opted to stay put.

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Friday, May. 8, 2026

Bomber Report

Winnipeg Blue Bomber rookie Dante Daniels (73) at the opening of rookie camp in Winnipeg Thursday, May 7, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/John Woods

Rookie tight end Dante Daniels turns childhood struggles into CFL dream

Jeff Hamilton, The Canadian Press 6 minute read Preview

Rookie tight end Dante Daniels turns childhood struggles into CFL dream

Jeff Hamilton, The Canadian Press 6 minute read Friday, May. 8, 2026

WINNIPEG - Dante Daniels is the first to admit he was an emotional kid. He was so quick to tears, he says, that his foster family used to jokingly tease him whenever the waterworks started.

Fast-forward to today, however, and that sensitive boy has grown into a 272-pound rookie tight end who relishes the violence of a sport as a necessary outlet for the hardships he faced growing up in Windsor, Ont. For as long as he can remember, football has been the ultimate escape.

"Realizing in this sport that you could hit someone legally and not get arrested for it, I take my aggression out from my childhood or from just getting screwed over at different times," Daniels said following Day 1 of Winnipeg Blue Bombers rookie camp at Princess Auto Stadium Wednesday. "I'm someone who is hard-nosed and not afraid to put my head in stuff. I will do anything to protect my teammates. I'll go toe-to-toe with anyone and make a hole."

That fierce, protective instinct was forged long before his college days at North Carolina State. As the third oldest of six children, Daniels was forced to grow up fast.

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Friday, May. 8, 2026

Bomber Report

John Woods . THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES Winnipeg Blue Bombers defensive lineman Kydran Jenkins sacks Montreal Alouettes quarterback McLeod Bethel-Thompson during CFL action in Winnipeg last October.

Jenkins ready for more football

Taylor Allen 5 minute read Preview

Jenkins ready for more football

Taylor Allen 5 minute read Thursday, May. 7, 2026

The game was meaningless in the standings but meant the world to defensive end Kydran Jenkins.

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers rested the majority of their starters in last year’s regular-season finale at home against the Montreal Alouettes. That led to Jenkins — a promising prospect out of Purdue who had signed with the Blue and Gold two and a half weeks earlier —being thrust into a starting role.

“I kind of got thrown in the fire, but I ended up playing good that game,” said Jenkins, who was out of football for several months prior to that after attending Carolina Panthers rookie minicamp.

He certainly did. He had several pressures and managed to record his first career sack.

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Thursday, May. 7, 2026

Bomber Report

MIKE DEAL / FREE PRESS Quarterback Payton Thorne during the first day of Winnipeg Blue Bombers rookie camp at Princess Auto Stadium on Wednesday.

Bombers job could mess with Thorne's plans to host Super Bowl MVP

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Bombers job could mess with Thorne's plans to host Super Bowl MVP

Taylor Allen 5 minute read Thursday, May. 7, 2026

If Payton Thorne has it his way, he won’t have much time for his Super Bowl MVP-winning friend this summer.

The 24-year-old quarterback from Naperville, Ill., hopes he’ll be too busy in Winnipeg as a member of the Blue Bombers.

Thorne, along with Terry Wilson, Taylor Elgersma and Bryce Perkins, are battling for the second- and third-string roles behind starting pivot Zach Collaros.

Thorne, a four-year college starter between Michigan State and Auburn, first got scouts talking in 2021 as a sophomore when he led the Spartans to an 11-2 record alongside star running back Kenneth Walker III.

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Thursday, May. 7, 2026

Bomber Report

MIKE DEAL / FREE PRESS Quarterback Taylor Elgersma throws on the opening day of Winnipeg Blue Bombers rookie camp at Princess Auto Stadium on Wednesday.

Bombers QB Elgersma not exactly your typical rookie

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Bombers QB Elgersma not exactly your typical rookie

Taylor Allen 4 minute read Wednesday, May. 6, 2026

A little snowfall in May wasn’t going to spoil the opening day of Blue Bombers rookie camp for Taylor Elgersma.

“To be here for the first time looking around this place, it’s beautiful. What more can you ask for?” said the 24-year-old quarterback out of Wilfrid Laurier.

“You gotta love it, that’s what we play this game for. I think if you can play well in the cold, then you can take advantage of people and I think I do it well. It’s nice to get out here in the fresh air today and let it fly.”

He certainly did let it fly on Wednesday, showcasing why the Green Bay Packers went against the norm and brought the U Sports product to training camp a year ago.

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Wednesday, May. 6, 2026

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