Latest news with #VernonAdamsJr
CBC
5 days ago
- Sport
- CBC
Collaros expected to start at QB, as Bombers head to Calgary hoping to avenge early losses
Social Sharing The Calgary Stampeders and Winnipeg Blue Bombers have different motivating factors heading into their showdown Saturday at McMahon Stadium. While the Stampeders (5-3) are looking to bounce back from two straight setbacks, the Blue Bombers (4-3) will be looking to avenge a pair of losses they suffered to their CFL West Division rivals earlier this season. "We're very motivated," said Calgary quarterback Vernon Adams Jr. "Shoot, we're two losses in a row, so we know we want to get back on track and get back in the W column. It starts (Saturday), so hopefully we can do that. "We lost our last game. They won their last game, so they have the momentum right now and we need to get back on track and not worry about what they're doing." Adams will return to the Stamps' lineup after sitting out his team's 31-11 road loss to the Ottawa Redblacks on July 31 after suffering a head injury during Calgary's 23-21 setback at home to the Montreal Alouettes on July 24. Calgary coach and general manager Dave Dickenson has confidence that Adams won't miss a beat after his one-game absence. "We know things will change slightly, but a lot of times it's just about execution and making plays, one-on-one football," Dickenson said. "Vernon's had a good season. I'm sure the first time he gets hit, that's always a little bit of trepidation, a little bit of uneasiness. Hopefully, he feels just fine." Clark Barnes will also be back to help boost Calgary's offence following a four-game absence due to an ankle injury, while fellow receiver Jalen Philpot will be a game-time decision. "Clark's back. Jalen's back, so it's good to have those guys back," said Adams optimistically. "Just excited to get those guys back and I'm excited for the opportunity (on Saturday)." After being held to just 11 yards on seven carries against Ottawa, running back Dedrick Mills has extra motivation to return to the form that has seen him run for a league-leading seven touchdowns while amassing 555 rushing yards, third best in the CFL. "It's going to be a very physical battle out there," Mills said. "I just can't wait to get out there and get started. We beat them twice, so you know they're coming. "They've got a chip on their shoulder and we just know they're coming hard, so we've got to go out there and play extra aggressive offensive-wise." Meanwhile, the Bombers ended a three-game losing streak — which included a 37-16 loss in Calgary on July 3 followed by a 41-20 setback at home two weeks later — when they beat the Toronto Argonauts 41-30 in Winnipeg on Aug. 1. "If they hit losing streaks, they find ways to get right back and win," Dickenson said of the Bombers. "For us, it's more about us. What type of team are we? What's our attitude? What's our mentality? "The main thing for us, we've got to take care of the football and we've got to stop taking dumb penalties. That's the winning formula we've stressed from Week 1 of training camp and it's worked. When we do that, we win games, so it's up to us to be knowing that the bullets are flying, but we have to make sure we keep our poise, don't take selfish penalties and the ball is at a premium." After missing last week's game against the Argos with a neck injury, quarterback Zach Collaros is listed atop the depth chart ahead of Chris Streveler heading into Saturday's game against the Stamps. Although Streveler threw three interceptions against the Argos, he ran for a nine-yard touchdown in the first quarter to put the Bombers up 14-7, which was a lead they didn't relinquish. "I'm excited to be back on (the roster) obviously to get back out there with the guys," Collaros said. "I feel good to go and excited about the opportunity tomorrow. "Every week is a new challenge. Calgary just happens to be on the schedule this week. We've played them twice, so we know them pretty well, they know us well." Winnipeg coach Mike O'Shea doesn't put too much stock into the pair of lopsided losses his team suffered to the Stamps in July. "First and foremost, I don't think the guys can look at those games and try and draw anything from them except this is a new game," O'Shea said. "They've got to work hard for each other. They've got to be physical, they've got to be clean.
CTV News
5 days ago
- Sport
- CTV News
Bombers head to Calgary looking to avenge early losses to Stampeders
Calgary Stampeders quarterback Vernon Adams Jr. (3) throws against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers during second half CFL action in Winnipeg Friday, July 18, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/John Woods CALGARY — The Calgary Stampeders and Winnipeg Blue Bombers have different motivating factors heading into their showdown Saturday at McMahon Stadium. While the Stampeders (5-3) are looking to bounce back from two straight setbacks, the Blue Bombers (4-3) will be looking to avenge a pair of losses they suffered to their CFL West Division rivals earlier this season. 'We're very motivated,' said Calgary quarterback Vernon Adams Jr. 'Shoot, we're two losses in a row, so we know we want to get back on track and get back in the W column. It starts (Saturday), so hopefully we can do that. 'We lost our last game. They won their last game, so they have the momentum right now and we need to get back on track and not worry about what they're doing.' Adams will return to the Stamps' lineup after sitting out his team's 31-11 road loss to the Ottawa Redblacks on July 31 after suffering a head injury during Calgary's 23-21 setback at home to the Montreal Alouettes on July 24. Calgary coach and general manager Dave Dickenson has confidence that Adams won't miss a beat after his one-game absence. 'We know things will change slightly, but a lot of times it's just about execution and making plays, one-on-one football,' Dickenson said. 'Vernon's had a good season. I'm sure the first time he gets hit, that's always a little bit of trepidation, a little bit of uneasiness. Hopefully, he feels just fine.' Clark Barnes will also be back to help boost Calgary's offence following a four-game absence due to an ankle injury, while fellow receiver Jalen Philpot will be a game-time decision. 'Clark's back. Jalen's back, so it's good to have those guys back,' said Adams optimistically. 'Just excited to get those guys back and I'm excited for the opportunity (on Saturday).' After being held to just 11 yards on seven carries against Ottawa, running back Dedrick Mills has extra motivation to return to the form that has seen him run for a league-leading seven touchdowns while amassing 555 rushing yards, third best in the CFL. 'It's going to be a very physical battle out there,' Mills said. 'I just can't wait to get out there and get started. We beat them twice, so you know they're coming. 'They've got a chip on their shoulder and we just know they're coming hard, so we've got to go out there and play extra aggressive offensive-wise.' Meanwhile, the Bombers ended a three-game losing streak – which included a 37-16 loss in Calgary on July 3 followed by a 41-20 setback at home two weeks later – when they beat the Toronto Argonauts 41-30 in Winnipeg on Aug. 1. 'If they hit losing streaks, they find ways to get right back and win,' Dickenson said of the Bombers. 'For us, it's more about us. What type of team are we? What's our attitude? What's our mentality? 'The main thing for us, we've got to take care of the football and we've got to stop taking dumb penalties. That's the winning formula we've stressed from Week 1 of training camp and it's worked. When we do that, we win games, so it's up to us to be knowing that the bullets are flying, but we have to make sure we keep our poise, don't take selfish penalties and the ball is at a premium.' After missing last week's game against the Argos with a neck injury, quarterback Zach Collaros is listed atop the depth chart ahead of Chris Streveler heading into Saturday's game against the Stamps. Although Streveler threw three interceptions against the Argos, he ran for a nine-yard touchdown in the first quarter to put the Bombers up 14-7, which was a lead they didn't relinquish. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 8, 2025. Laurence Heinen, The Canadian Press
CTV News
06-08-2025
- Sport
- CTV News
Veteran quarterbacks Collaros, Adams poised to return to their respective teams
The Calgary Stampeders and Winnipeg Blue Bombers should have their offensive leaders back when they square off Saturday night at McMahon Stadium. Calgary starter Vernon Adams Jr. (head) was a full participant in practice Tuesday after missing the Stampeders' 31-11 loss to Ottawa last week. Ditto for veteran Bombers quarterback Zack Collaros (neck) after Chris Streveler got the start in Winnipeg's 40-31 win over Toronto on Friday night. This will mark the third meeting of the season between the West Division rivals, with Calgary (5-3) having won the previous two contests. The Stampeders are looking for their first series sweep of the Blue Bombers (4-3) since 2016. Calgary is also chasing its first victory in three games after consecutive losses to Montreal and Ottawa. Canadian receiver Clark Barnes (ankle) was a full participant in practice for the Stamps and could be available but Damien Alford (hamstring) was limited. Calgary has been solid 3-0 within its division while Winnipeg is 3-2. But since 2022 the Bombers are 7-3 versus the Stampeders, with Collaros sporting a 10-8 career record against them. What's more, veteran offensive lineman Stanley Bryant (ankle) was a full participant in practice Tuesday for the Bombers. Calgary will also have to be wary of Bombers returner Trey Vaval, who last week became the first Winnipeg player to return a punt and kickoff for touchdowns in the same game. Also, defensive lineman Willie Jefferson had four pass knockdowns, one short of the league record, and has 85 overall, good for third in CFL history behind Adrion Smith (90) and Eddie Davis (111). Last week's win halted a three-game losing streak for Winnipeg. Calgary's defence has been solid, having allowed just 18.8 offensive points per game and 11 offensive touchdowns — both league lows. Stampeders receiver Dominique Rhymes has scored touchdowns in each of his past three games. Facing Winnipeg has agreed with Adams Jr., who has thrown for 489 yards and five touchdowns in the previous two matchups. Adams Jr. has a career 6-3 record against the Bombers. Pick: Calgary. --- B.C. Lions versus Hamilton Tiger-Cats (Thursday night) At Hamilton, the Ticats (6-2) chase a seventh straight victory and second in as many meetings with B.C. (3-5). CFL passing leader Bo Levi Mitchell had 389 yards passing with three TDs in a 37-33 win over the Lions at B.C. Place Stadium on July 27. Kiondre Smith had 14 receptions for 138 yards and two touchdowns in that contest. Lions running back James Butler ran for 115 yards and two touchdowns against his former team and comes in as the CFL's leading rusher with 619 yards (5.5-yard average) and five touchdowns. The Lions average a league-best 5.7 yards per rush while the Ticats allow a CFL-high 5.4 yards per carry. B.C. also comes off the bye week — its last contest being the loss to the Ticats — and has won its last two games in Hamilton. Pick: B.C. --- Edmonton Elks versus Montreal Alouettes (Friday night) At Montreal, McLeod Bethel-Thompson of the Alouettes (6-2) and Cody Fajardo of Edmonton (1-6) face their former teams for the first time since being dealt for each other this winter. Bethel-Thompson is 1-2 versus Edmonton but Tyler Snead had 14 catches for 191 yards in his last two games for the Alouettes. Fajardo, who led the Als to the '23 Grey Cup, is 4-1 all-time versus the East Division squad. In his two starts this season, Fajardo has completed 79.3 per cent of his passes for 603 yards with three TDs and an interception. Pick: Edmonton. --- Ottawa Redblacks versus Toronto Argonauts (Saturday afternoon) At Toronto, the Argos (2-6) look to continue their mastery of the Redblacks (2-6), having won 19 of the previous 25 matchups since Ottawa entered the CFL in 2014. Starter Nick Arbuckle is second overall in passing yards (2,334) and TDs (13) but the Argos have allowed a league-high 23 sacks. Ottawa starter Dru Brown threw for 225 yards and two TDs in last week's win over Calgary with veteran receiver Eugene Lewis registering five catches for 110 yards, his 20th career 100-yard receiving performance. The Redblacks' defence did its part with three interceptions. The Argos are 1-3 within the East Division while Ottawa is 0-4. Pick: Toronto. Last week: 3-1. Overall: 21-14. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 6, 2025. Dan Ralph, The Canadian Press
Winnipeg Free Press
06-08-2025
- Sport
- Winnipeg Free Press
Veteran quarterbacks Collaros, Adams poised to return to their respective teams
The Calgary Stampeders and Winnipeg Blue Bombers should have their offensive leaders back when they square off Saturday night at McMahon Stadium. Calgary starter Vernon Adams Jr. (head) was a full participant in practice Tuesday after missing the Stampeders' 31-11 loss to Ottawa last week. Ditto for veteran Bombers quarterback Zack Collaros (neck) after Chris Streveler got the start in Winnipeg's 40-31 win over Toronto on Friday night. This will mark the third meeting of the season between the West Division rivals, with Calgary (5-3) having won the previous two contests. The Stampeders are looking for their first series sweep of the Blue Bombers (4-3) since 2016. Calgary is also chasing its first victory in three games after consecutive losses to Montreal and Ottawa. Canadian receiver Clark Barnes (ankle) was a full participant in practice for the Stamps and could be available but Damien Alford (hamstring) was limited. Calgary has been solid 3-0 within its division while Winnipeg is 3-2. But since 2022 the Bombers are 7-3 versus the Stampeders, with Collaros sporting a 10-8 career record against them. What's more, veteran offensive lineman Stanley Bryant (ankle) was a full participant in practice Tuesday for the Bombers. Calgary will also have to be wary of Bombers returner Trey Vaval, who last week became the first Winnipeg player to return a punt and kickoff for touchdowns in the same game. Also, defensive lineman Willie Jefferson had four pass knockdowns, one short of the league record, and has 85 overall, good for third in CFL history behind Adrion Smith (90) and Eddie Davis (111). Last week's win halted a three-game losing streak for Winnipeg. Calgary's defence has been solid, having allowed just 18.8 offensive points per game and 11 offensive touchdowns — both league lows. Stampeders receiver Dominique Rhymes has scored touchdowns in each of his past three games. Facing Winnipeg has agreed with Adams Jr., who has thrown for 489 yards and five touchdowns in the previous two matchups. Adams Jr. has a career 6-3 record against the Bombers. Pick: Calgary. — B.C. Lions versus Hamilton Tiger-Cats (Thursday night) At Hamilton, the Ticats (6-2) chase a seventh straight victory and second in as many meetings with B.C. (3-5). CFL passing leader Bo Levi Mitchell had 389 yards passing with three TDs in a 37-33 win over the Lions at B.C. Place Stadium on July 27. Kiondre Smith had 14 receptions for 138 yards and two touchdowns in that contest. Lions running back James Butler ran for 115 yards and two touchdowns against his former team and comes in as the CFL's leading rusher with 619 yards (5.5-yard average) and five touchdowns. The Lions average a league-best 5.7 yards per rush while the Ticats allow a CFL-high 5.4 yards per carry. B.C. also comes off the bye week — its last contest being the loss to the Ticats — and has won its last two games in Hamilton. Pick: B.C. — Edmonton Elks versus Montreal Alouettes (Friday night) At Montreal, McLeod Bethel-Thompson of the Alouettes (6-2) and Cody Fajardo of Edmonton (1-6) face their former teams for the first time since being dealt for each other this winter. Bethel-Thompson is 1-2 versus Edmonton but Tyler Snead had 14 catches for 191 yards in his last two games for the Alouettes. Fajardo, who led the Als to the '23 Grey Cup, is 4-1 all-time versus the East Division squad. In his two starts this season, Fajardo has completed 79.3 per cent of his passes for 603 yards with three TDs and an interception. Pick: Edmonton. — Ottawa Redblacks versus Toronto Argonauts (Saturday afternoon) Thursdays Keep up to date on sports with Mike McIntyre's weekly newsletter. At Toronto, the Argos (2-6) look to continue their mastery of the Redblacks (2-6), having won 19 of the previous 25 matchups since Ottawa entered the CFL in 2014. Starter Nick Arbuckle is second overall in passing yards (2,334) and TDs (13) but the Argos have allowed a league-high 23 sacks. Ottawa starter Dru Brown threw for 225 yards and two TDs in last week's win over Calgary with veteran receiver Eugene Lewis registering five catches for 110 yards, his 20th career 100-yard receiving performance. The Redblacks' defence did its part with three interceptions. The Argos are 1-3 within the East Division while Ottawa is 0-4. Pick: Toronto. Last week: 3-1. Overall: 21-14. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 6, 2025.
CTV News
05-08-2025
- Sport
- CTV News
Vernon Adams Jr. on track to get back behind centre against Blue Bombers
Calgary Stampeders quarterback Vernon Adams Jr., left, hands the ball off to Dedrick Mills during first half CFL football action against the Montreal Alouettes in Calgary, Thursday, July 24, 2025. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh) The Calgary Stampeders and Winnipeg Blue Bombers are getting to know each other very well. The two teams will face each other for the third time this season at McMahon Stadium on Saturday. The Stamps were victorious in the first two meetings: 37-16 in Calgary on July 3 and 41-20 in Winnipeg a couple of weeks after. Vernon Adams Jr., who was injured during the game against Montreal, took most of the first-team reps at practice on Tuesday, and he says it's a good bet he'll be back against the Bombers. 'I feel great, and it's great to be out there with the guys,' said the 32-year-old pivot. 'It was some great energy out there, great weather and great day of practice. We're excited for the opportunity this week to take on the Bombers.' 'Makes a difference' The Stamps have lost two in a row since Adams Jr. went down with injury against the Montreal Alouettes a couple of weeks ago. Head Coach Dave Dickenson says when he's on the field, Adams Jr. makes a difference. 'He's been our leader,' said Dickenson. 'He's a playmaker, and I feel like any game he's out there; you can win that game. I've always felt like when he's going, he's as good as anybody.' 'Tough for anybody' Adams Jr. says injuries are rough because you always want to be on the field with your team. 'It's tough for anybody,' he said. 'You want to be out there helping the team and doing what you can do; I just have to help out on the sidelines.' Future job? Adams Jr. flew with the team to Ottawa and was on the sidelines for the loss. He got a front-row seat for what went right and what went wrong. He says it's a great way to prepare for what could be his next job. 'I want to be a coach one day when I'm done, so to sit back and experience the sideline and hear the coaches talk on the mic and things like that, and see how they run things is pretty cool,' Adams Jr. said. 'Not that I want to do that every week or anything, but it was a cool experience.' The Stamps take on the Bombers on Saturday at 5 p.m.
