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The Winnipeg Blue Bombers will be without veteran defensive back Redha Kramdi when they host the Calgary Stampeders on Friday night. The team released its official depth chart on Thursday morning.
The 29-year-old was unable to practice this week due to a hand injury and has been placed on the six-game injured list. He has made 21 defensive tackles, two forced fumbles, and one interception over six starts at safety this season.
The five-foot-eleven, 198-pound native of Montreal has played 78 regular-season games with the Blue Bomber since he was taken in the second round of the 2021 CFL Draft. He has recorded 158 defensive tackles, 18 special teams tackles, five sacks, three forced fumbles, and one interception with the team.
Kramdi will be replaced at safety by Jake Kelly, who has made nine defensive tackles and two special teams tackles in a depth role this year. Originally selected in the second round of the 2023 CFL Draft out of Bishop’s University, Kelly has made 17 defensive tackles, 14 special teams tackles, and one forced fumble over 37 career regular-season games with the Blue Bombers.
Dru Brown will make a third-straight start at quarterback, as Zach Collaros remains on the six-game injured list. The 29-year-old has thrown for 656 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception since being acquired from the Ottawa Redblacks via trade.
Winnipeg also has several players set to return after completing stints on the six-game injured list.
Third-year receiver Kevens Clercius (knee), defensive lineman Tanner Schmekel (calf), linebacker Lane Novak (knee), and defensive back Ethan Ball (thigh) will all dress in depth roles at their respective positions. Clercius has previously started at field-side wideout, though he is listed as the backup behind Gavin Cobb.
Matthew Jackson will also make his regular-season CFL debut in a depth role at strong-side linebacker after being promoted from the practice roster.
The 27-year-old played 11 regular-season games with the Tennessee Titans and Jacksonville Jaguars prior to joining Winnipeg’s practice roster late last year. He played collegiately at Eastern Kentucky University, where he recorded 294 total tackles, 27.5 tackles for loss, eight sacks, three forced fumbles, 14 pass breakups, and two interceptions, earning two first-team All-Conference selections.
In corresponding moves, the Blue Bombers have placed receiver Joey Corcoran, defensive lineman Kydran Jenkins, linebacker Charles-Elliot Bouliane, and defensive back Ethan Stuart on the practice roster.
The Winnipeg Blue Bombers (4-2) will host the Calgary Stampeders (2-4) at Princess Auto Stadium on Friday, July 24 with kickoff scheduled for 8:30 p.m. EDT. The Stampeders lost to the Montreal Alouettes in a failed comeback bid this past week, while the Blue Bombers defeated the Ottawa Redblacks in overtime.
The weather forecast in Winnipeg calls for a high of 29 degrees and a 60 percent chance of showers. The game will be broadcast on TSN and RDS2 in Canada and CFL+ internationally. Radio listeners can tune in on 770 CHQR in Calgary or 680 CJOB in Winnipeg.
Eligible sports bettors in Ontario and Alberta can find relevant information for wagering on the games by clicking on their respective jurisdiction. Please bet responsibly.
Winnipeg Blue Bombers
