In this week’s CFL action, three games are on schedule, starting with the Calgary Stampeders and Edmonton Elks going head-to-head as Calgary hopes to continue their undefeated streak. The Ottawa Redblacks will look to win their first game of the season as they take on the 3-1 Saskatchewan Roughriders, while the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and BC Lions put their undefeated records on the line when they clash in a battle of the best of the West Division.
Stampeders @ Elks
The Stampeders’ offense looks exceptional with a 3-0 start, and the team is getting healthier on the defensive end. Defensive back Elie Bouka was back at full practice, as was defensive end Tre Roberson. Punter Cody Grace also looks like he’ll be ready to go, and quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell, who was nursing a minor ankle injury, appears to be healthy too. Calgary also made some roster movement with the trade of punter Jimmy Smith to the Saskatchewan Roughriders in exchange for a 2023 third-round pick in the CFL Global Draft.
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With a 29-25 victory over the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, Edmonton reached the win column for the first time this season. They’re still 1-3 on the year in a very competitive West Division, with all four teams ahead of them combining for one loss. The Elks will be shorthanded entering into Week 5 with the loss of fullback Tanner Green, offensive line Cole Nelson, and linebacker Adam Konar, who all left Saturday’s game with injuries. Wide receiver Charles Nelson (knee) and defensive line Malik Tyne (elbow) may also miss this week’s game.
Redblacks @ Roughriders
If the Redblacks want to get back into the season, they’ll need to do so with a limited defensive team, as four defensive backs did not participate in practice on Monday. Abdul Kanneh (ankle), Monshadrik Hunter (knee), Patrick Levels (calf), and Frankie Griffin (hamstring) may all miss the game on Friday, and linebacker Dan Basambombo participated in a limited practice. Their schedule after this week includes games against Hamilton and Montreal, leading head coach Paul LaPolice to believe Ottawa’s season isn’t over yet.
Re-acquiring punter Jimmy Smith was an excellent move and comes just one day after they obtained wide receiver/kick returner Mario Alford from the Alouettes. Currently 3-1 on the year with Calgary, B.C., and Winnipeg all holding undefeated ahead of them, the pressure is on for Saskatchewan to make improvements and push for a Grey Cup run. Centre Dan Clark will miss his second game after being placed on the six-game injury list with a broken fibula. Veteran rush end Charleston Hughes, defensive back Damon Webb, and receiver Bruno Labelle all missed the last game but could be ready to go this week.
Blue Bombers @ Lions
In a thrilling end to a fantastic game against the Toronto Argonauts, the Blue Bombers held on for a 23-22 win after conceding a touchdown with 25 seconds left on the clock. A missed punt by Boris Bede put an end to Toronto’s attempt at a comeback, bringing Winnipeg to 4-0 on the season and sitting alone at the top of the West Division. It wasn’t all positive as linebacker Kyrie Wilson left the game with an apparent injury to his left Achilles and calf. The 29-year-old didn’t return to the game and is doubtful for this week’s matchup with the Lions.
The Lions have an opportunity to stake a claim on the West Division and hand the Blue Bombers their first loss of the season. They held off the Redblacks in Week 4 with a close 34-31 win, bringing their record up to 3-0. They lead the CFL in both points scored and points against, and they pose the biggest threat to Winnipeg’s perfect season. Wide receiver Bryan Burnham missed last week due to a rib injury and is doubtful to be ready this week, and linebacker Bo Lokombo returned after he was questionable to start after suffering a head injury
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