CFL: Winnipeg Blue Bombers close preseason with win over Roughriders in Saskatchewan

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers capped their preseason with a 27-20 victory over the Saskatchewan Roughriders at Mosaic Stadium in Regina on Friday, May 31, in a game delayed by wildfire smoke. The win solidified tough roster decisions ahead of the Canadian Football League’s (CFL) Saturday night deadline, as the Blue Bombers evaluated nearly 90 candidates vying for spots.

Quarterback rotation sets tone
Winnipeg’s offense started strong behind quarterbacks Chris Streveler and Zach Collaros. Streveler, making his first start since recovering from a 2024 knee injury, opened with a 12-play, 75-yard drive capped by a 21-yard touchdown pass to Keric Wheatfall. He finished 8-of-10 for 76 yards, though a late interception marred an otherwise sharp performance. Collaros, entering late in the first quarter, connected with Dalton Schoen (40 yards) and Wheatfall (40-yard TD) on his only two throws. “Definitely another step tonight,” said Streveler. “It felt good to spread the ball around and develop chemistry.”

Riders’ offensive efforts fall short
Saskatchewan’s quarterbacks struggled to match Winnipeg’s efficiency. Jack Coan threw for 189 yards but failed to produce a touchdown, while Jake Maier completed 9 of 15 passes for 113 yards. Standout performances came from receivers Joe Robustelli (6 catches, 119 yards) and Michael Picton (7 receptions, 77 yards), who anchored the passing game. Running back Mario Anderson provided a bright spot with a late touchdown for which Nick Wiebe added a 2-point conversion, and kickers Brett Lauther (3 field goals) and Dawson Hodge (1 field goal) kept the scoreboard ticking.

Bomber standouts bolster roster claims
Wide receiver Keric Wheatfall solidified his case for a starting role with five catches for 88 yards and two touchdowns, building on his 2023 rookie campaign. Running back Quinton Cooley, nicknamed “The Shuttlebus,” impressed again with 56 rushing yards and nine receiving yards, offering depth behind star Brady Oliveira. Rookie linebacker Jaylen Smith (2 tackles, 3 special teams stops) and defensive tackle Devin Adams (1 sack) highlighted Winnipeg’s defensive depth. Phillip Webb’s 90-yard fumble return touchdown, sparked by Jaiden Woodbey’s forced fumble, underscored the defense’s playmaking.

Special teams and return battles
The Blue Bombers tested multiple return candidates, with Trey Vaval (58 kickoff return yards) and David Wallis (57 kickoff return yards) showcasing explosiveness. A 93-yard punt return by Vaval was nullified by penalty, adding intrigue to the competition with incumbent Peyton Logan sidelined.

Roster crunch and regular-season prep
Head coach Mike O’Shea praised the team’s camaraderie but acknowledged the difficulty of trimming the roster: “This is the part that stinks.” Winnipeg rested 13 starters, including Willie Jefferson, Deatrick Nichols, and Oliveira, prioritizing evaluations. The Roughriders also sat key players like Trevor Harris and A.J. Ouellette, ensuring both teams’ Labor Day Classic rematch will feature vastly different lineups.

Next steps
The Blue Bombers enter a bye week before their June 12 regular-season opener against the B.C. Lions at Princess Auto Stadium. With roster cuts finalized, Winnipeg shifts focus to refining a mix of veteran leadership and emerging talent. As O’Shea noted, “We have a list of things we like to see every week… our guys had a good time tonight.” For the Blue Bombers, balancing that joy with execution will define their 2025 campaign. For the Riders, refining quarterback chemistry and red-zone execution—evident in their reliance on field goals—will be critical ahead of their June 5 season opener against the Ottawa RedBlacks.