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Winnipeg Blue Bombers at Saskatchewan-Rufree

Posted on by Neons

It may not count for the regular season, but football is officially back in Canada as the Winnipeg Blue Bombers take on the Saskatchewan Roadriders in Week 1 of the 2024 CFL season.

Winnipeg had a perfect season come to an end as they lost to the Montreal Alouettes in the final seconds of the Gray Cup. Hopes are high for the Bombers this season as they look to claim their fifth straight Gray Cup and snap a two-game losing streak in the title game.

The Corey Mays era officially begins in Saskatchewan after the team went 6-12 a season ago. As the team tries to add some help in the running game and rebuild the defense, there is optimism that the Riders could be on the right side of the record this season.

Winnipeg Blue Bombers vs. Saskatchewan Roughriders highlights

November 24, 2019; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Winnipeg Blue Bombers quarterback Chris Streveler (17) throws

November 24, 2019; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Winnipeg Blue Bombers defenseman Chris Streveler (17) throws / Sergey Belsky-USA TODAY Sports

Starting quarterback Zach Collaros will not play in the first preseason game, leaving Chris Streveler as the starter. It was Streveler's first time in the CFL since leaving for the NFL in 2019.

Streveler threw for 2,698 yards in Canada and rushed for another 1,167 with 41 total touchdowns in two seasons with Winnipeg. He led the CFL in rushing touchdowns in 2019 with 12 games, helping the Bombers win the Gray Cup.

October 2, 2021; Cheney, WA, USA; Eastern Washington Eagles quarterback Eric Barriere (3) makes a rebound

October 2, 2021; Cheney, WA, USA; Eastern Washington Eagles quarterback Eric Barrier (3) returns / James Snook-USA TODAY Sports

That leaves the door open for training camp as to who will be on the third line. Streveler would finish second, with Eric Barriere and Terry Wilson fighting for third. Barriere is listed as the backup and Wilson will be the third line of the game.

The offensive line will be a major focus in the preseason as they need to find defensive backs right and left. Eric Lofton starts on the right and Liam Dobson on the left.

August 20, 2022; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Argonauts running back AJ Ouellette (34) runs

August 20, 2022; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Argonauts running back AJ Ouellette (34) / John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

It looks like the Riders will play as starters, but it's unclear how long they'll be in the game. There is excitement to see all the new pieces for the offseason.

Running back AJ Ouellette will get the most attention as he starts in the backfield. Jermarcus Hardrick will be strong at right tackle. On the defensive end, the team will make debuts after signing middle linebacker Jameer Thurman and defensive end Malik Carney in free agency.

You can follow Anthony Miller at X @ByAnthonyMiller.

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