The Ottawa Redblacks come off their bye week with starter Dru Brown in tow.
Brown (neck) will start when the Redblacks (1-6) host the Calgary Stampeders (5-2) on Thursday night. He was injured in Ottawa's 30-15 loss to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats on July 20, their fourth straight defeat.
But Calgary will be without its starter, Vernon Adams Jr (head) as P.J. Walker will get the start in his place. Adams Jr. was injured in last week's 23-21 loss to Montreal.
He left the game in the second half following a seven-yard run and didn't return. Montreal outscored Calgary 9-0 in the fourth quarter to secure the victory.
Adams Jr. was enjoying a solid first season with the Stampeders. He's third overall in passing yards (1,913) with nine TDs and six interceptions while rushing 17 times for 139 yards (8.2-yard average) and a TD.
More importantly, with Adams Jr. under centre, Calgary had already matched last season's win total.
The Stampeders' injury woes don't stop there as Canadian receivers Damien Alford (hamstring) and Jalen Philpot (hamstring) are both out.
Meanwhile, the Redblacks are getting healthier with receiver Bralon Addison (shoulder), linebacker Frankie Griffin (knee), cornerback C.J. Coldon (ankle) and centre Peter Godber (hand) all coming off the injured list to suit up versus Calgary.
However, Ottawa's offence will need all hands on deck as Calgary's defence leads the CFL in fewest offensive points (17.9) and offensive TDs (eight) allowed. The Redblacks' defence will have to contend with the league's top rushing attack (127.6 yards per game) that's anchored by Dedrick Mills (544 yards, league-high seven rushing TDs).
Calgary has also registered a CFL-best four pick-sixes, including two by former Redblack Damon Webb.
This marks the second meeting of the season between the two clubs. Ottawa's lone '25 win was a 20-12 decision on a windy, rainy day at McMahon Stadium on June 21.
The Redblacks, under Dustin Crum, ran for 239 yards on 31 attempts (7.7-yard average) in that contest.
Ottawa is 0-3 at home and 1-2 versus the West Division. Meanwhile, Calgary is 3-0 on the road and 2-2 against East Division opponents.
Pick: Ottawa.
Toronto Argonauts versus Winnipeg Blue Bombers (Friday night)
At Winnipeg, the Blue Bombers (3-3) will be without starter Zach Collaros (neck). He missed the second half of last week's 31-17 loss to Toronto (2-5), the club's third consecutive defeat. Veteran Chris Streveler, who replaced Collaros last week, is expected to start. Defensively, the home team can't allow the Argos to register points on eight possessions (two TDs, six field goals). Nick Arbuckle remains under centre for Toronto with incumbent Chad Kelly (leg) now on the six-game injured list. Arbuckle threw for 316 yards and two TDs last week with Damonte Coxie recording six catches for 145 yards and a touchdown. The defence did its part, forcing seven turnovers.
Pick: Toronto.
Hamilton Tiger-Cats versus Edmonton Elks (Saturday night)
At Edmonton, Hamilton (5-2) chases a sixth consecutive win after outscoring the B.C. Lions 17-10 in the fourth quarter to earn a 37-33 road victory. CFL passing leader Bo Levi Mitchell threw for 389 yards and three TDs, including two to Canadian Kiondre Smith, who had 14 catches for 138 yards. The Ticats are 1-2 versus the West Division but 3-1 on the road while averaging a CFL-best 28.4 offensive points per game. Cody Fajardo is expected to start again for the Elks (1-5) after passing for 346 yards and two TDs in his season debut, a 21-18 loss to Saskatchewan. The Elks have dropped two straight and are 1-2 at home but 1-1 versus the East.
Pick: Hamilton.
Saskatchewan Roughriders versus Montreal Alouettes (Saturday night)
At Montreal, the Alouettes rode the leg of kicker Jose Maltos (three fourth-quarter field goals, game-winner from 58 yards out with 1:10 remaining) to nip Calgary and earn their first win under backup McLeod Bethel-Thompson. He threw for 280 yards with a TD and interception, but the offence converted on both of its redzone opportunities. Saskatchewan (6-1) stands atop the West Division following its close win over Edmonton. Trevor Harris had 268 yards passing with two TDs while Sam Emilus registered six receptions for 113 yards and a touchdown. The Riders' defence recorded eight sacks last week to take the CFL lead with 20.
Pick: Saskatchewan.
Last week: 2-2.
Overall: 18-13.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 30, 2025.
Dan Ralph, The Canadian Press
