Football – Winnipeg Free Press

Winnipeg Blue Bombers quarterback Zach Collaros (8) fumbles the ball as Saskatchewan Roughriders defensive lineman Malik Carney (11) tackles during the second half of CFL football action in Regina, on Friday, July 19, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Heywood Yu

Bombers’ struggles continue in disheartening loss to Roughriders

Taylor Allen 7 minute read Yesterday at 12:17 PM CDT

REGINA — Maybe the Winnipeg Blue Bombers aren’t back after all.

After a pair of wins at home that had everyone in Bomberland feeling encouraged, the Blue and Gold came out with a disheartening performance Friday night at Mosaic Stadium in a 19-9 loss against their arch nemesis — the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

The now 2-5 Bombers have already had their fair share of rough outings in 2024, but this one was the biggest letdown of them all.

Meanwhile in Riderville, life’s good as the team in green are now 5-1 and sit at the top of the West Division with the B.C. Lions.

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Maier throws for three touchdowns, leads Stampeders to 25-24 win over Lions

Laurence Heinen, The Canadian Press 6 minute read Preview

Maier throws for three touchdowns, leads Stampeders to 25-24 win over Lions

Laurence Heinen, The Canadian Press 6 minute read Updated: 12:27 AM CDT

CALGARY - A five-yard touchdown catch by Clark Barnes at 6:14 of the fourth quarter proved to be the game-winning score for the Calgary Stampeders.

On the previous play, Barnes caught a screen pass from quarterback Jake Maier and ran for a 40-yard gain to set up the play that propelled the Stampeders (3-3) to a tight 25-24 win over the B.C. Lions (5-2) in front of 20,057 fans at McMahon Stadium on Sunday.

“I think the screen where he (Barnes) made two guys miss and took us down to the five-yard line, was really the separator,” said Maier. “It’s hard to score touchdowns in this league. It’s hard to score touchdowns against B.C., so for him to just catch the ball a yard down the field and make two guys miss and take it down to the five-yard line, that’s your ball game right there.

"That turns into seven points. I thought that was the play of the night for him.”

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Updated: 12:27 AM CDT

B.C. Lions Pete Robertson (40) grabs for Calgary Stampeders quarterback Jake Maier (12) during first half CFL football action in Calgary, Alta., Sunday, July 21, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh

Kenny Clark and the Packers agree on a $64 million, 3-year contract extension, AP source says

Rob Maaddi, The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

Kenny Clark and the Packers agree on a $64 million, 3-year contract extension, AP source says

Rob Maaddi, The Associated Press 2 minute read Updated: Yesterday at 6:08 PM CDT

Three-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Kenny Clark and the Green Bay Packers have agreed on a $64 million, three-year contract extension, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press on Sunday.

The person, who spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the deal hasn’t been signed, said Clark will make $29 million this year, including a $17.5 million signing bonus.

Clark, who turns 29 on Oct. 4, was entering the final season of his contract after agreeing to a four-year, $70 million extension with a $25 million signing bonus in the summer of 2020. He has spent his entire career with the Packers, who selected him out of UCLA with the 27th overall pick in the 2016 draft.

Clark had a career-high 7 1/2 sacks and a team-high nine tackles for loss last season to earn his third Pro Bowl invitation. Clark also made the Pro Bowl in 2019 and 2021.

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Updated: Yesterday at 6:08 PM CDT

FILE - Green Bay Packers defensive tackle Kenny Clark (97) looks on during an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers, Dec. 24, 2023, in Charlotte, N.C. Clark and the Green Bay Packers have agreed on a $64 million, three-year contract extension, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press on Sunday, July 21, 2024. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman, File)

Ravens coach John Harbaugh: Lamar Jackson can become the best quarterback in NFL history

Noah Trister, The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

Ravens coach John Harbaugh: Lamar Jackson can become the best quarterback in NFL history

Noah Trister, The Associated Press 4 minute read Yesterday at 4:02 PM CDT

OWINGS MILLS, Md. (AP) — Lamar Jackson missed the start of training camp because of an illness.

Then Baltimore coach John Harbaugh delivered a bit of a speech, talking up his star quarterback at the end of his session with reporters.

Following the Ravens' first full-squad practice of camp, Harbaugh spoke for more than two straight minutes about Jackson and the future — and in doing so made it quite clear what the team's hopes and expectations are.

“The vision that we have together is that Lamar Jackson is going to become and be known and be recognized as the greatest quarterback ever to play in the history of the National Football League," Harbaugh said. "That’s the vision. It’s going to happen by Lamar, his work ethic and his brilliant talent, by all of us pouring into that effort, together as a team, teamwork, and by the grace of God and God’s goodwill. That’s how it’s going to happen. And I believe it like we’ve already seen it.”

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Yesterday at 4:02 PM CDT

Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh talks to the media after an NFL football training camp practice, Sunday, July 21, 2024, in Owings Mills, Md. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Chiefs safety Justin Reid placed on non-football injury list

Matt Derrick, The Associated Press 5 minute read Preview

Chiefs safety Justin Reid placed on non-football injury list

Matt Derrick, The Associated Press 5 minute read Yesterday at 1:49 PM CDT

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (AP) — Safety Justin Reid joined a growing list of injured starters for the back-to-back champs as the Kansas City Chiefs kicked off their first full-squad workout of training camp.

The club placed Reid on the non-football injury list with a quad issue. Jaden Hicks, a fourth-round draft choice from Washington State, took Reid’s place at strong safety with the first-team defense. He played alongside free safety Bryan Cook with Chamarri Conner at nickel back.

Coach Andy Reid didn’t elaborate on the nature of the injury on Sunday, but said he doesn’t have long-term concerns for his 27-year-old defensive secondary leader.

“Listen, we’re just day-by-daying it right now and see how he does. He’s very honest with you, and he’s not going to hide anything. He’s going to make sure he tells you how he’s feeling. And so we trust him with that."

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Yesterday at 1:49 PM CDT

Kansas City Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo and defensive tackle Alex Gunner walk to practice during NFL football training camp Thursday, July 18, 2024, in St. Joseph, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

Ticats earn first victory of the season with 27-24 decision over Toronto Argonauts

Dan Ralph, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Preview

Ticats earn first victory of the season with 27-24 decision over Toronto Argonauts

Dan Ralph, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Updated: Yesterday at 12:20 AM CDT

HAMILTON - Bo Levi Mitchell was breathing a huge sigh of relief Saturday night.

James Butler and Destin Talbert scored touchdowns set up by turnovers as Hamilton held on to beat the Toronto Argonauts 27-24 for their first win of the season.

"Relief is a great word," Mitchell said. "That makes us 1-1 in the East.

"I know we're 1-5, it's not pretty. I told the guys to go celebrate but still realize what the situation is. Learn from what we did, there were some good things that happened … there's a lot of things we can clean up and try to make it where those games don't end up close."

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Updated: Yesterday at 12:20 AM CDT

Hamilton Tiger Cats running back James Butler (9) breaks through the defensive line of the Toronto Argonauts during CFL football game action in Hamilton, Ont. on Saturday, July 20, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Peter Power

Calgary Stampeders looking to avenge Week 2 loss to B.C. Lions

Laurence Heinen, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Preview

Calgary Stampeders looking to avenge Week 2 loss to B.C. Lions

Laurence Heinen, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Saturday, Jul. 20, 2024

CALGARY - The Calgary Stampeders will have redemption on their minds when they host the B.C. Lions at McMahon Stadium on Sunday night.

Playing the second of three regular-season games against the Lions (5-1), the Stampeders (2-3) are looking to avenge the 26-17 setback to their CFL West Division rivals at Vancouver’s BC Place on June 16.

“It was a bad taste in our mouths a few weeks ago,” said Calgary quarterback Jake Maier. “We felt like we had every opportunity to win the game obviously, but we (have) felt that every week.

“We’ve been as competitive as anybody in this league. Any time you have that going for you, you feel really good about whoever you play and it’s no different this weekend.”

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Saturday, Jul. 20, 2024

Calgary Stampeders quarterback Jake Maier (12) looks on during second half CFL action against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, in Winnipeg, Friday, July 12, 2024. The Stampeders will have redemption on their minds when they host the B.C. Lions at McMahon Stadium on Sunday night.THE CANADIAN PRESS/John Woods

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Connection between QB Williams, WR Allen could be the key to the Bears improving

Andrew Seligman, The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

Connection between QB Williams, WR Allen could be the key to the Bears improving

Andrew Seligman, The Associated Press 4 minute read Saturday, Jul. 20, 2024

LAKE FOREST, Ill. (AP) — Staying at the same hotel during minicamp, Keenan Allen and Caleb Williams had extra time to get to know one another.

Chicago's new receiver and prized quarterback helped each other learn the playbook when they weren't either watching the NBA playoffs or playing Monopoly Deal. The connection between the six-time Pro Bowler and the No. 1 overall draft pick could go a long way toward determining whether the Bears make a much-anticipated jump.

“I’m not a guy who masters the playbook by any means sitting at home just looking at the playbook,” Allen said Saturday, after the team's first training camp practice. “That’s not how I learn it. I’m a trial and error guy. I learn through mistakes. Just being able to sit there with him, he’d call out the play, I’d draw it up, vice versa, while we’re sitting there watching the NBA playoffs.”

Chicago hasn't finished with a winning record since the 2018 NFC North championship season. The Bears have just three playoff appearances since the 2006 Super Bowl season, but they seem poised for a turnaround. A big reason is the splashy moves they made in the offseason.

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Saturday, Jul. 20, 2024

FILE - Chicago Bears wide receiver Keenan Allen speaks at a news conference at Halas Hall in Lake Forest, Ill., March 16, 2024. New Bears receiver Allen and prized quarterback Caleb Williams helped each other learn the playbook when they were not watching the NBA playoffs or playing Monopoly Deal while staying at the same hotel during minicamp. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh, File)

Wally Buono to receive Wall of Fame honour from Calgary Stampeders

Laurence Heinen, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Preview

Wally Buono to receive Wall of Fame honour from Calgary Stampeders

Laurence Heinen, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Saturday, Jul. 20, 2024

CALGARY - When Wally Buono steps onto the field at McMahon Stadium on Sunday, he’ll soak in every moment in front of family, friends and fans.

Buono will become the 50th member of the Calgary Stampeders Wall of Fame during a halftime ceremony of their game against the visiting B.C. Lions.

“It is strange, but it’s good,” said Buono, who holds the Calgary franchise records for games coached (234), victories (153), playoff victories (12) and championships (three).

“Obviously, this is a tremendous honour — for myself and my family. To be back at McMahon where it all started, I’m very grateful for that.”

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Saturday, Jul. 20, 2024

When Wally Buono steps onto the field at McMahon Stadium on Sunday, he’ll soak in every moment in front of family, friends and fans. Buono pauses during an emotional final news conference as players gathered for end of season meetings and to clean out their lockers at the CFL football team's practice facility, in Surrey, B.C., on Tuesday November 13, 2018. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

Bombers smarting after 19-9 loss to Riders

Taylor Allen 8 minute read Preview

Bombers smarting after 19-9 loss to Riders

Taylor Allen 8 minute read Saturday, Jul. 20, 2024

REGINA — A dejected Nic Demski sat in the locker room postgame, struggling to wrap his head around how such a promising play could turn into an utter disaster.

Down 16-9 with three minutes left against their Prairie rivals on the road, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers needed to score and it looked like they were going to do just that. Demski caught a pass from quarterback Zach Collaros past midfield and was sprinting towards the end zone when Saskatchewan Roughriders linebacker Jameer Thurman chased him down and threw an uppercut at the ball from behind to force a fumble.

The Riders recovered at their own 15-yard line before returning it 14 yards, and then marched the ball down the field to add a field goal to win the game 19-9.

The result drops the Bombers to 2-5, while Saskatchewan improves to 5-1.

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Saturday, Jul. 20, 2024

Blue Bombers quarterback Zach Collaros (8) runs the football during the first half of CFL football action against Saskatchewan Roughriders in Regina, on Friday. (Heywood Yu / The Canadian Press)

Roughriders’ defence pivotal in beating Blue Bombers 19-9

Jeff DeDekker, The Canadian Press 6 minute read Preview

Roughriders’ defence pivotal in beating Blue Bombers 19-9

Jeff DeDekker, The Canadian Press 6 minute read Saturday, Jul. 20, 2024

REGINA - When the Saskatchewan Roughriders called on Ajou Ajou against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on Friday, the rookie receiver answered the call.

After an injury to Kian Schaffer-Baker, Ajou, a 6-foot-2, 211-pound receiver from Brooks, Alta., took a spot with the Saskatchewan offence in the second half. He responded with four catches for 110 yards as the Riders defeated the Bombers 19-9 to improve to 5-1.

In four games this season, Ajou had six catches for 81 yards. On Friday, he contributed two big plays that helped Saskatchewan end Winnipeg’s two-game winning streak, dropping the Bombers to 2-5.

With the Riders holding a 13-9 lead in the third quarter, Ajou caught the attention of the 29,649 fans in attendance with a 34-yard catch and run. The impressive part was after Ajou caught a short pass in the flat from quarterback Shea Patterson, he turned the corner and broke the tackle of Winnipeg middle linebacker Adam Bighill.

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Saturday, Jul. 20, 2024

Winnipeg Blue Bombers quarterback Zach Collaros (8) runs the ball during the first half of CFL football action against Saskatchewan Roughriders in Regina, on Friday, July 19, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Heywood Yu

Redblacks add to winless Elks’ misery with 20-14 win in Ottawa

Lisa Wallace, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Preview

Redblacks add to winless Elks’ misery with 20-14 win in Ottawa

Lisa Wallace, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Friday, Jul. 19, 2024

OTTAWA - Playing two games five days apart wasn’t ideal, but the Ottawa Redblacks liked the end result after posting back-to-back wins over the Edmonton Elks with a 20-14 victory Friday night.

The win allowed Ottawa to improve to 4-2 on the season and remain undefeated at TD Place.

Things continue to spiral for the Elks who fell to 0-6 and continue to search for answers.

Edmonton was hoping to find a spark with Jarious Jackson making his CFL head coaching debut, but came up short — again.

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Friday, Jul. 19, 2024

Ottawa Redblacks' Michael Wakefield (96) and Davion Taylor (43) lunge forward to tackle Edmonton Elks quarterback McLeod Bethel-Thompson (10) during first half CFL football action in Ottawa on Friday, July 19, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang

Ravens agree to one-year deal with former Chicago Bears safety Eddie Jackson

The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

Ravens agree to one-year deal with former Chicago Bears safety Eddie Jackson

The Associated Press 2 minute read Friday, Jul. 19, 2024

BALTIMORE (AP) — The Baltimore Ravens agreed to a one-year deal with former Chicago Bears safety Eddie Jackson on Friday.

Jackson, 30, bolsters a safety position that already features Kyle Hamilton and Marcus Williams. He is expected to fill the role left by Geno Stone, who signed with Cincinnati after leading the AFC with seven interceptions this past season.

Jackson spent his first seven seasons with Chicago, playing in 100 games with 15 interceptions and 459 tackles. He made the Pro Bowl in 2018 and 2019.

The Bears released Jackson in February. He had been slowed by foot injuries, missing 10 games combined the past two seasons.

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Friday, Jul. 19, 2024

FILE - Chicago Bears safety Eddie Jackson (4) follows the action during the second half of an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings, Monday, Nov. 27, 2023, in Minneapolis. The Baltimore Raves has agreed to a one-year deal with two-time Chicago Bears safety Eddie Jackson. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr, File)

Jacksonville Jaguars sue imprisoned ex-employee over multimillion-dollar theft from team

The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

Jacksonville Jaguars sue imprisoned ex-employee over multimillion-dollar theft from team

The Associated Press 2 minute read Friday, Jul. 19, 2024

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) — The Jacksonville Jaguars have filed a lawsuit against a former employee who is serving prison time after pleading guilty to stealing $22 million from the NFL team's virtual credit card program.

The lawsuit, filed Thursday in Duval County Circuit Court, seeks more than $66 million in damages, or three times the amount Amit Patel admitted stealing to feed a gambling addiction and a lavish lifestyle.

Patel, 31, was sentenced to more than six years in federal prison in March after pleading guilty to one count of wire fraud and one count of making an illegal monetary transaction. He was also ordered to pay the Jaguars restitution for the thefts.

Patel oversaw the company’s monthly financial statements and department budgets and served as the club’s administrator of its virtual credit card program, which allowed authorized employees to use if for business-related expenses.

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Friday, Jul. 19, 2024

FILE - a Jacksonville Jaguars helmet sits on a box on the sidelines during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. The Jaguars have filed a lawsuit against a former employee who is serving prison time after pleading guilty to stealing $22 million from the NFL team's virtual credit card program. (AP Photo/Gary McCullough)

Jamal Peters and the Hamilton Ticats set to host archrival Toronto Argonauts

Dan Ralph, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Preview

Jamal Peters and the Hamilton Ticats set to host archrival Toronto Argonauts

Dan Ralph, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Friday, Jul. 19, 2024

HAMILTON - Jamal Peters will host several friends and familiar faces Saturday night but won't exactly be feeling hospitable.

Peters faces his former team for the first time when Hamilton (0-5) takes on archrival Toronto (3-2) at Tim Hortons Field. Peters spent three seasons with the Argonauts (2021-23) before signing with the Tiger-Cats as a free agent.

"It's a little personal but then again I can't make the game bigger than it is," Peters said. "(The) three years I had there were good but I'm only focusing on the here and now and I'm looking forward to it.

"I've had this one circled since the off-season."

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Friday, Jul. 19, 2024

Hamilton Tiger-Cats defensive back Jamal Peters (2) intercepts the football as Saskatchewan Roughriders receiver Shawn Bane Jr. (15) looks on during the first half of CFL football action in Regina on June 23, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Heywood Yu

Caleb Williams is ready for the spotlight as the Chicago Bears open training camp

Andrew Seligman, The Associated Press 5 minute read Preview

Caleb Williams is ready for the spotlight as the Chicago Bears open training camp

Andrew Seligman, The Associated Press 5 minute read Friday, Jul. 19, 2024

LAKE FOREST, Ill. (AP) — Caleb Williams is ready for what comes next.

The No. 1 overall draft pick and 2022 Heisman Trophy winner is embracing the spotlight in Chicago after playing a starring role in Hollywood as the quarterback at USC. All eyes will be on him when the Bears begin training camp Saturday.

“I’ve kind of put myself in this position many times before I became a Chicago Bear on the 25th of April,” Williams said Friday.

The Bears are banking on Williams to give them a big lift and solidify a position that has historically been a sore spot for the founding NFL franchise. But he's also in a rather rare situation for a No. 1 pick, joining a team that's one of the league's shiny objects at the moment.

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Friday, Jul. 19, 2024

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