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CTV News
5 days ago
- Sport
- CTV News
CFL, NFL revive officiating program with joint training camp sessions
Winnipeg Blue Bombers head coach Mike O'Shea talks to the referees before CFL football game action against the Montreal Alouettes in Montreal on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christinne Muschi TORONTO — The CFL and NFL have revived their officiating development program, with two crews of seven CFL officials taking part in NFL training camp practices, beginning Wednesday. The first iteration of the initiative was run between 2016-2019. This year's edition will feature current officials from both leagues, along with participants in the NFL's development system. The CFL officials will travel to Minnesota to share insights and best practices with their NFL counterparts as the Vikings welcome the New England Patriots. A separate crew of seven will go to Philadelphia to exchange knowledge with local officials while the Eagles host the Cleveland Browns. Because of current in-season time commitments by CFL officials and staff, NFL officials will not travel to Canada at this time. The two sides will explore future opportunities for exchange and collaboration in Canada at a later date. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 12, 2025.
CBC
01-08-2025
- Sport
- CBC
O'Shea shuffles roster as Blue Bombers try to pull out of nosedive against Argonauts
Social Sharing Mike O'Shea will field a revamped roster when the Blue Bombers host the Toronto Argonauts and try to end a three-game losing skid Friday. Injuries factored into some changes, including one that has some fans scratching their heads. Others, particularly in the secondary, are aimed at boosting performance after Winnipeg (3-3) lost 31-17 to Toronto (2-5) last week. "Some were out of necessity and some are game planning with what Toronto has on their roster, what we have on our roster and how we think it fits and how you get matchups and stuff like that," Blue Bombers head coach O'Shea said after Thursday's walk-through practice. Chris Streveler will be under centre for Winnipeg after starting quarterback Zach Collaros left last week's game at halftime with a neck injury that's sidelined him for the rematch. Nick Arbuckle gets his eighth start for the Argonauts. Chad Kelly is on the six-game injured list because of the serious leg injury he suffered in last year's CFL East Division final. The change on Winnipeg's offence that's sparking questions from fans is the replacement for injured star slotback Dalton Schoen. Kody Case filled in for Schoen last week, but Case was carted off the field with what appeared to be a leg injury. Rookie Joey Corcoran from Montreal makes his first start at receiver. He's caught six passes for 36 yards in six games. Third-year CFLer Gavin Cobb will back up the receivers, meaning healthy veteran wide receiver Dillon Mitchell has yet to get into a game this season. The American was moved to the practice roster and unavailable to the media Thursday. The former three-year Edmonton Elks pass catcher and kick returner was a big off-season acquisition for Winnipeg after inking a one-year contract that's been reported as worth $148,000, including a $63,300 signing bonus. "What you pay a player to get them here doesn't guarantee them anything," O'Shea said. Mitchell has played slotback in his career, but O'Shea sees him as a better fit a wideout now held by Keric Wheatfall. "So do you move Keric Wheatfall to a position that he's not suited for either, or do you put guys where they're not possibly going to thrive as well?" O'Shea asked. The nuances of slotbacks using the waggle before the snap is different than wide receivers who usually run from a standing position, he said. "Those type of ideas about, 'Oh, he should be able to do this, he should be able to that,' it's not always the case," O'Shea said. Corcoran is playing because of his desire and willingness to block, get his hands dirty and play special teams, the coach added. Winnipeg's secondary was shuffled for the rematch, including cornerback Marquise Bridges shifted to the practice roster and five-year dime back Reda Kramdi making his first CFL start at safety. "We weren't playing well, we weren't good enough," was O'Shea rationale for the changes. Avoid 'false sense of confidence': Dinwiddie Argonauts receiver Damonte Coxie is coming off a career-best 145 receiving yards with one touchdown off six catches last week. The six-foot-three wide receiver often has a height advantage over his defenders. "It's an advantage, but also I respect all of them over that side — tall or short," Coxie told reporters after a practice earlier this week. Toronto won the turnover battle 7-1. "I told them just because we had a win, we can't have a false sense of confidence," Argonauts head coach Ryan Dinwiddie said. "We built a little bit of confidence, but we've got to have a great sense of reality. "We're 2-5 going against a team that's .500 and at their place and they play well." Streveler was optimistic heading into the game, even though one practice this week was cancelled because of poor air quality. "We've done enough this week to feel really good about our game plan and what we're doing, with guys where they're supposed to be, all that stuff," he said. "So I feel good about it, guys feel good about it and we're ready to play." Lopsided losses The Bombers have lost three consecutive games by more than 14 points for the first time since 2013. On a roll Arbuckle has a seven-game stretch of starts with at least 240 yards passing and an eight-game run with at least one passing touchdown. He needs 36 yards to reach 10,000 career passing yards.
CBC
22-06-2025
- Sport
- CBC
Zach Collaros makes season debut in Blue Bombers 27-14 win over B.C. Lions
Thirteen seasons into his CFL career, Zach Collaros isn't taking football for granted. So when the Winnipeg Blue Bombers quarterback ran out of the tunnel for his first game of the season on Saturday, he made sure to soak in the atmosphere. "When you're younger, you think you're gonna do it forever," said Collaros, who threw for 179 yards and two touchdowns as the Bombers thumped the B.C. Lions 27-14. "I still feel good and think that I'm gonna do it forever. I know at some point it's gonna come to an end, but I don't think anytime soon. But I think as you get older, you gain a little more wisdom and things like that, and you try to just cherish every moment and just be present all the time." The 36-year-old American was suspended for Winnipeg's first game of the season — a 34-20 win over B.C. — last week for failing to respond to an off-season drug-testing request. Bombers head coach Mike O'Shea said he was "so happy" to see his No. 1 quarterback on the field Saturday. "When football gets taken away — and it doesn't matter what for — it hurts the guys," he said. "So to see him back playing, doing something he loves to do, and being in a spot that he feels really comfortable at, I'm more excited for the man." Collaros wasted no time finding his form. Just over seven minutes into Saturday's game, the veteran escaped the pocket under pressure and hurled a rainbow into the far corner of the end zone where Dalton Schoen jumped up to make the grab. The 15-yard touchdown pass capped a 72-yard, 12-play scoring drive. "Not playing for a long time, you don't doubt yourself, obviously, but it's nice to know I can still do this," Collaros said of the play. He connected on 18 of his 25 attempts across the night and had two interceptions. On the other side of the ball, Jeremiah Masoli was 25-for-44, passing for 281 yards with one major and two interceptions in his first-ever start for the Lions (1-2). "Definitely room for improvement," the 36-year-old American said of the performance. "It was good to be out there and just putting some long drives together with the boys. But the opportunities that we had and missed, we've got to be able to cash in on those versus a good team." Masoli replaced Nathan Rourke as starter after Rourke suffered a core injury last week. The Canadian QB dressed for the rematch, but spent the game on the sidelines wearing a ball cap instead of his helmet. Winnipeg (2-0) was also without one of its stars as Brady Oliveira sat out with a shoulder injury he picked up against the Lions. Sergio Castillo made good on two field goals for the visitors, including a 55-yard strike, and Sean Whyte kicked two for B.C. His longest of the night was 43 yards. Interceptions plagued both sides, but the Bombers were better able to capitalize on the picks Saturday. Midway through the second quarter, Masoli -- who signed with the Lions as a free agent in February — tossed a harried pass to running back James Butler, who fumbled the ball. Jamal Parker was there to pick it up and sprint 57 yards the other way for the Bombers' second major of the night. Castillo hit the convert and Winnipeg took a 17-3 lead. With the Lions down 20-6 early in the fourth quarter, Masoli sailed a pass to Ayden Eberhardt deep in the end zone, only to see it picked off by Evan Holm. B.C. challenged the play, saying there was no catch, but a review upheld the call on the field. "Once again, we took points off the board down deep, surefire points," O'Shea said. On the next drive, Collaros chucked a pass way up field to Keric Wheatfall for a 48-yard gain. The Bombers continued to build and Collaros capped the drive with a five-yard dish to offensive lineman Tui Eli in the end zone. Another convert from Castillo gave Winnipeg a 27-6 advantage. The Lions refused to go quietly, though. Late in the fourth quarter, Robert Carter Jr. nabbed Collaros' pass inside Winnipeg territory and the Lions capitalized, with Masoli firing a seven-yard dart to Jevon Cottoy just over the goal line. The QB then handed off to Butler, who rushed in for a two-point convert that sealed the score at 27-14. "That was big, for sure. We wanted to for our pride, just to know that we can get it in there," Masoli said. "Obviously we marched down a couple times and weren't able to get it in. "It changes the complexion of a game when you're not able to score and give some help to your defence. But there's some good stuff we did tonight that we can build on. And that was one of them."
CTV News
22-06-2025
- Sport
- CTV News
Zach Collaros makes season debut, Winnipeg Blue Bombers thump B.C. Lions 27-14
Winnipeg Blue Bombers' Dalton Schoen, centre, celebrates scoring a touchdown against the B.C. Lions with Nic Demski, left, and Keric Wheatfall, right, during the first half of a CFL football game in Vancouver, on Saturday, June 21, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ethan Cairns VANCOUVER — Thirteen seasons into his CFL career, Zach Collaros isn't taking football for granted. So when the Winnipeg Blue Bombers quarterback ran out of the tunnel for his first game of the season on Saturday, he made sure to soak in the atmosphere. 'When you're younger, you think you're gonna do it forever,' said Collaros, who threw for 179 yards and two touchdowns as the Bombers thumped the B.C. Lions 27-14. 'I still feel good and think that I'm gonna do it forever. I know at some point it's gonna come to an end, but I don't think any time soon. But I think as you get older, you gain a little more wisdom and things like that, and you try to just cherish every moment and just be present all the time.' The 36-year-old American was suspended for Winnipeg's first game of the season — a 34-20 win over B.C. — last week for failing to respond to an off-season drug-testing request. Bombers head coach Mike O'Shea said he was 'so happy' to see his No. 1 quarterback on the field Saturday. 'When football gets taken away — and it doesn't matter what for — it hurts the guys,' he said. 'So to see him back playing, doing something he loves to do, and being in a spot that he feels really comfortable at, I'm more excited for the man.' Collaros wasted no time finding his form. Just over seven minutes into Saturday's game, the veteran escaped the pocket under pressure and hurled a rainbow into the far corner of the end zone where Dalton Schoen jumped up to make the grab. The 15-yard touchdown pass capped a 72-yard, 12-play scoring drive. 'Not playing for a long time, you don't doubt yourself, obviously, but it's nice to know I can still do this,' Collaros said of the play. He connected on 18 of his 25 attempts across the night and had two interceptions. On the other side of the ball, Jeremiah Masoli was 25-for-44, passing for 281 yards with one major and two interceptions in his first-ever start for the Lions (1-2). 'Definitely room for improvement,' the 36-year-old American said of the performance. 'It was good to be out there and just putting some long drives together with the boys. But the opportunities that we had and missed, we've got to be able to cash in on those versus a good team.' Masoli replaced Nathan Rourke as starter after Rourke suffered a core injury last week. The Canadian QB dressed for the rematch, but spent the game on the sidelines wearing a ball cap instead of his helmet. Winnipeg (2-0) was also without one of its stars as Brady Oliveira sat out with a shoulder injury he picked up against the Lions. Sergio Castillo made good on two field goals for the visitors, including a 55-yard strike, and Sean Whyte kicked two for B.C. His longest of the night was 43 yards. Interceptions plagued both sides, but the Bombers were better able to capitalize on the picks Saturday. Midway through the second quarter, Masoli — who signed with the Lions as a free agent in February — tossed a harried pass to running back James Butler, who fumbled the ball. Jamal Parker was there to pick it up and sprint 57 yards the other way for the Bombers' second major of the night. Castillo hit the convert and Winnipeg took a 17-3 lead. With the Lions down 20-6 early in the fourth quarter, Masoli sailed a pass to Ayden Eberhardt deep in the end zone, only to see it picked off by Evan Holm. B.C. challenged the play, saying there was no catch, but a review upheld the call on the field. 'Once again, we took points off the board down deep, surefire points,' O'Shea said. On the next drive, Collaros chucked a pass way up field to Keric Wheatfall for a 48-yard gain. The Bombers continued to build and Collaros capped the drive with a five-yard dish to offensive lineman Tui Eli in the end zone. Another convert from Castillo gave Winnipeg a 27-6 advantage. The Lions refused to go quietly, though. Late in the fourth quarter, Robert Carter Jr. nabbed Collaros' pass inside Winnipeg territory and the Lions capitalized, with Masoli firing a seven-yard dart to Jevon Cottoy just over the goal line. The QB then handed off to Butler, who rushed in for a two-point convert that sealed the score at 27-14. 'That was big, for sure. We wanted to for our pride, just to know that we can get it in there,' Masoli said. 'Obviously we marched down a couple times and weren't able to get it in. 'It changes the complexion of a game when you're not able to score and give some help to your defence. But there's some good stuff we did tonight that we can build on. And that was one of them.' UP NEXT Blue Bombers: Host the Edmonton Elks on Thursday. Lions: Visit the Saskatchewan Roughriders on Saturday, June 28. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 21, 2025. Gemma Karstens-Smith, The Canadian Press
CBC
17-06-2025
- Sport
- CBC
Bombers' star RB Brady Oliveira still a question mark for rematch with Lions
Social Sharing Brady Oliveira was at the Blue Bombers practice on Monday, but the star running back was an observer rather than a participant. Coach Mike O'Shea had no update on whether the CFL's reigning most outstanding player and top Canadian would play in Saturday's rematch in B.C. against the Lions. "You know me, I'm always hopeful," O'Shea told reporters. Oliveira left the field early with an upper-body injury in last Thursday's season-opening 34-20 victory at home against the Lions. Some reports said he might have suffered a shoulder injury. After Monday's practice, Oliveira was casually throwing footballs with receiver Nic Demski. O'Shea was asked if that was a promising sign. "Tossing footballs and delivering hits are two different things," he said. Oliveira ripped off a 43-yard run during Winnipeg's first series against B.C. Bomber quarterback Chris Streveler then threw a 20-yard touchdown pass to Demski in the end zone at 2:29. Oliveira left the field after the score and didn't return. He was replaced by rookie Matthew Peterson, who wowed the crowd with 23 carries for 130 yards, including a 38-yard touchdown. The University of Alberta product, whom the Bombers acquired in a trade with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats on draft day this year, said he spoke to Oliveira after the game. "I just said, 'Everything for you,"' Peterson said after Monday's practice. "And he said, 'Good job, buddy."' The Brooks, Alta., native said his professional debut has added to his confidence and he'll be ready if called to action when the 1-0 Bombers face the 1-1 Lions. "Having that big of a game, it helps the confidence that much more," Peterson said. "But the reason why I have so much confidence is because of the five guys in front of me and the quarterback and all the weapons around me." Collaros back There will be a different starting quarterback for Winnipeg in Saturday's game. Zach Collaros had to miss the opener because he was serving a one-game suspension for failing to respond to an off-season drug-testing request. Collaros watched the game from inside Princess Auto Stadium. "I'd be lying to you if I said that it wasn't difficult to watch the game from the locker room," he said. But it was interesting, too. "I was pacing the hallways there and the weight room, walking on the treadmill, so it was cool to watch it on TV," Collaros said. "You could hear the crowd erupting before something good happened, so that was cool to anticipate what would happen, but it was not a fun experience." He did see Oliveira after he exited the game. "Any time you have to come out of a football game like that, it's tough," Collaros said. "Going to get him a Gatorade and a protein bar was pretty much all I could do in that moment, and tell him it's going to be all right." Peterson's performance was "awesome" and his long TD run impressive, Collaros said. "Being able to watch that over and over again on TSN was really cool," he said. "The cut that he made to create some separation in the game there was huge for us, too." While Streveler made some great throws and executed the game plan, Collaros is ready to return to action. "I guess I am excited to get back out there," he said. "It's kind of the whole angst thing, as it is, leading into a new season. "It's been different for me, obviously. We had a bye week and then not playing, so I feel like we've been in camp for a very long time." B.C. quarterback Nathan Rourke left last week's game midway through the fourth quarter with an apparent injury. He told reporters after the game something in his midsection felt off and made it hard for him to put power on his throws.
