TD Place Stadium, Ottawa, Ontario

Kickoff: 7:00 PM ET

Broadcast: TSN / RDS / CFL+

Venue & Game Setting

TD Place Stadium — Ottawa, ON A scenic 24,000‑seat venue along the Rideau Canal, known for swirling mid‑field winds, humid early‑June conditions, and a playing surface that tends to favor speed and east‑west movement. Ottawa’s home‑field advantage is strongest early in the season when weather volatility impacts visiting teams unfamiliar with the micro‑gusts that develop in the north end zone.

Weather Forecast (as of game‑day morning)

Temperature: 69–72°F (20–22°C) at kickoff

Conditions: Mostly cloudy with pockets of sun

Wind: 9–12 mph from the southeast — slight tailwind for Ottawa in the first quarter

Humidity: Moderate (55–60%)

Precipitation: 15% chance of light showers

Impact: Passing efficiency should remain stable; humidity may affect stamina; slight boost to short‑range kicking.

Injury Report & Availability

Edmonton Elks

QB McLeod Bethel‑Thompson — Probable (veteran rest; full practice)

RB Kevin Brown — Probable (ankle soreness; expected to play)

WR Dillon Mitchell — Questionable (hamstring; limited all week)

RT Martez Ivey — Out (knee; 6‑game list)

LB Nyles Morgan — Probable (shoulder; no restrictions)

Ottawa Redblacks

QB Dru Brown — Probable (minor calf tightness; cleared)

RB Devonte Williams — Probable (hip flexor; full participant)

WR Jaelon Acklin — Questionable (groin; game‑time decision)

DE Lorenzo Mauldin IV — Probable (rest day; fully active)

CB Brandin Dandridge — Out (foot; 4–6 weeks)

Key takeaway: Both teams enter relatively healthy, but Edmonton’s OL depth and Ottawa’s secondary depth are the biggest structural concerns.

Team Records & 2025 Recap

Edmonton Elks (0‑0)

2025 Record: 6–12

Strengths: Improved QB play, explosive RB, emerging young WRs

Weaknesses: Pass protection, inconsistent defensive backfield, red‑zone inefficiency

Ottawa Redblacks (0‑0)

2025 Record: 5–13

Strengths: Strong defensive front, mobile QB, opportunistic special teams

Weaknesses: Turnovers, inconsistent run defense, lack of explosive plays

Recent Team Form (Preseason & Camp Notes)

Edmonton

Bethel‑Thompson showed strong command of the offense

Kevin Brown looked sharp, especially on outside zone runs

Secondary still giving up chunk plays in preseason scrimmages

Ottawa

Dru Brown displayed improved pocket presence

Williams looked fully healthy and decisive

Defensive front dominated preseason reps, especially on early downs

Key Player Matchups

1. McLeod Bethel‑Thompson (EDM) vs. Ottawa Pass Rush

Ottawa’s front, led by Mauldin IV, is aggressive and disruptive. Edmonton’s weakened right side of the OL could be a major vulnerability.

2. Kevin Brown (EDM) vs. Ottawa Linebackers

Brown’s ability to break first contact is crucial. Ottawa struggled with tackling efficiency in 2025.

3. Jaelon Acklin (OTT, if active) vs. Edmonton Secondary

Acklin is Ottawa’s best separator. If he plays, Ottawa gains a vertical and intermediate threat that Edmonton may struggle to contain.

4. Edmonton WRs vs. Ottawa CB Depth

With Dandridge out, Ottawa’s secondary must rely on younger corners. If Dillon Mitchell plays, Edmonton gains a significant matchup advantage.

Series History

All‑Time: Edmonton leads 23–12

Last 5 Meetings: Edmonton leads 3–2

At TD Place: Ottawa has won 3 of the last 4

Trend: Ottawa tends to play Edmonton close at home, often in low‑scoring, defensive‑tilted games.

Betting Trends

Edmonton is 4–1 ATS in its last 5 road games

Ottawa is 2–8 ATS in its last 10 season openers

The Under is 7–3 in the last 10 meetings

Edmonton is 6–2 ATS vs. East Division opponents since 2024

Ottawa is 1–6 ATS in its last 7 home games

GAME ODDS

Edmonton Elks                                  51.5

Ottawa Redblacks                           – 3.5

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, June 5, 2026

McMahon Stadium, Calgary, Alberta

Kickoff: 9:00 PM ET / 7:00 PM MT

Broadcast: TSN / RDS2 / CFL+

Venue & Game Setting

McMahon Stadium — Calgary, AB A 35,000‑seat outdoor venue known for early‑season cool temperatures, swirling winds, and a notoriously firm playing surface. Calgary’s home‑field advantage is historically strong in June due to altitude, wind patterns, and the Stampeders’ comfort with the stadium’s unique turf bounce.

Weather Forecast (as of game‑day morning)

Temperature: 58–61°F (14–16°C) at kickoff

Conditions: Clear skies, dry air

Wind: 10–14 mph from the northwest — favors cross‑field gusts that can disrupt deep passing

Humidity: Low (30–35%)

Precipitation: <5%

Impact: Slight boost to the kicking game due to dry air; passing efficiency may dip on longer throws; run‑game stability becomes more valuable.

Injury Report & Availability

Winnipeg Blue Bombers

QB Zach Collaros — Probable (veteran rest; no limitations)

RB Brady Oliveira — Questionable (ankle sprain; limited all week)

WR Dalton Schoen — Out (foot; expected to miss first 4–6 weeks)

LT Stanley Bryant — Probable (maintenance)

LB Adam Bighill — Probable (hamstring tightness; full practice Thursday)

Calgary Stampeders

QB Jake Maier — Probable (minor shoulder soreness; cleared)

RB Dedrick Mills — Probable (hip flexor; full participant)

WR Reggie Begelton — Questionable (groin; game‑time decision)

CB Tre Roberson — Out (knee; 6‑game list)

DE Julian Howsare — Probable (ankle)

Key takeaway: Winnipeg’s passing game takes a hit without Schoen, while Calgary’s secondary depth is tested without Roberson.

Team Records & 2025 Recap

Winnipeg Blue Bombers (0‑0)

2025 Record: 11–7

Strengths: Veteran QB play, elite run game, disciplined defense

Weaknesses: Aging core, occasional explosive‑play droughts, WR depth concerns

Calgary Stampeders (0‑0)

2025 Record: 7–11

Strengths: Balanced offense, strong special teams, emerging defensive line

Weaknesses: Inconsistent QB play, red‑zone inefficiency, secondary depth

Recent Team Form (Preseason & Camp Notes)

Winnipeg

Collaros looked sharp in limited preseason reps

Oliveira’s health is the biggest storyline; backups showed competence but not star‑level burst

Defense appears fast and cohesive, especially in the linebacking corps

Calgary

Maier showed improved decision‑making and quicker reads

Mills looked explosive and decisive in preseason action

Secondary communication issues remain a concern, especially with Roberson out

Key Player Matchups

1. Zach Collaros (WPG) vs. Calgary Pass Defense

With Schoen out, Collaros must rely on Nic Demski and Kenny Lawler to generate separation. Calgary’s weakened secondary could be vulnerable to Winnipeg’s layered route concepts.

2. Brady Oliveira (WPG) vs. Calgary Front Seven

If Oliveira plays, Winnipeg’s offense becomes significantly more balanced. Calgary must win early downs to force Collaros into predictable passing situations.

3. Reggie Begelton (CGY, if active) vs. Demerio Houston (WPG)

Begelton is Calgary’s most reliable chain‑mover. Houston’s ball‑hawking ability makes this a high‑leverage matchup.

4. Winnipeg OL vs. Calgary DL

Stanley Bryant anchors a veteran unit, but Calgary’s interior pressure—led by Mike Rose—could disrupt timing if they win early.

Series History

All‑Time: Winnipeg leads 109–96–2

Last 5 Meetings: Winnipeg leads 4–1

At McMahon Stadium: Calgary has won 7 of the last 10

Trend: Calgary plays Winnipeg tougher at home than on the road, especially in early‑season matchups.

Betting Trends

Winnipeg is 9–3 ATS in its last 12 season openers

Calgary is 6–2 ATS in its last 8 home games vs. Winnipeg

The Under is 5–1 in the last 6 meetings at McMahon Stadium

Winnipeg is 12–5 ATS in its last 17 overall

Calgary is 3–8 ATS vs. West Division opponents since 2024

GAME ODDS

Winnipeg Blue Bombers               – 1.5

Calgary Stampeders                       47.5

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Thursday, June 4, 2026

Department of Health, Safety and Integrity issues player discipline

TORONTO – The Canadian Football League (CFL) Department of Health, Safety and Integrity manages league discipline, while the Office of the Commissioner oversees suspendible offences.

The Department – which includes Chief Football Operations Officer Greg Dick, Vice-President of Officiating Darren Hackwood, Associate Vice-President of Football Operations Ryan Janzen and Associate Vice-President of Health and Safety Eric Noivo – has issued three fines from the preseason.

• Calgary offensive lineman D’Antne Demery has been fined for striking Saskatchewan defensive lineman Desmond Evans on May 18.
• Edmonton defensive lineman Richard Jibunor has been fined for delivering a low hit on Calgary quarterback Ben Wooldridge on May 29.
• Edmonton defensive lineman Gavin Meyer has been fined for unnecessary roughness against Calgary kicker Dawson Hodge on May 29.

Per CFL policy, the league does not announce:

• Amounts of player fines
• Discipline related to dress code violations
• Discipline involving teams or staff
• Discipline involving players who have been released

Stats and storylines heading into this week’s action

BREAK IT DOWN

• 479 total players on CFL rosters
  • 398 veterans (83 per cent)
  • 81 first-year players (17 per cent)
  • Averages of 42 games of CFL experience and 24 starts
  • Average age: 28.1
• Status
  • 225 Nationals
  • 237 Americans
  • 17 Globals
• 142 players from U SPORTS (29.6 per cent). UBC, Laval, Montreal and Laurier lead with 11 each.

SLINGIN’ IT

• Bo Levi Mitchell | 158 starts | 110-46-2 (.703)
• Zach Collaros | 143 starts | 89-54 (.622)
• Trevor Harris | 128 starts | 69-57-2 (.547)
• Cody Fajardo | 86 starts | 49-36-1 (.579)
• Vernon Adams Jr. | 77 starts | 49-28 (.636)
• Jake Maier | 47 starts | 19-27-1 (.415)
• Nathan Rourke | 36 starts | 23-13 (.639)
• Chad Kelly | 25 starts | 20-5 (.800)
• Davis Alexander | 11 starts | 11-0 (1.000)

2025 IN HINDSIGHT

• Home teams in the regular season: 44-37
• Six 1,000-yard+ rushers – the most since 2009 (7)
• League-wide passer rating (97.4) was the second highest in league history (98.3 in 2016)
• 51 per cent of games decided in the final three minutes. On 16 occasions, teams came back after trailing in the final three minutes
• Teams that won the turnover battle were 58-11 (.790)
• 73 singles. In 2026 with the modified rouge, 36 of them would no longer apply

QUICK SLANTS

LEAGUE-WIDE

• Possible milestone game(s)
  • 100^th | Justin Lawrence (MTL)

MTL at HAM

• Since 2022, Montreal is 7-3 against Hamilton, however the Ticats swept the season series in 2025
• Montreal has won its first game for the past three seasons
• Jason Maas’ next victory will move him past Marc Trestman (72) for 19^th on the all-time coaching list
• Davis Alexander aims to extend his own CFL record for consecutive wins to start a career to 12
• Jose Maltos Diaz needs to make two field goals to reach 100 in his career
• Hamilton is hosting the season opener for the first time since 2019
• Hamilton has not won its season opening game since 2018
• Coming off a league-best 14 TD catches last season, Kenny Lawler’s next will be the 40^th of his career

WPG at CGY

• Zach Collaros needs 17 passing yards to reach 36,000 in his career
• Nic Demski – the active leader in receptions – needs six to hit 500 in his career
• With four carries, Brady Oliveira will reach 1,000 in his career. His next 100-yard+ rushing game will tie Jon Cornish for second-most by a Canadian (22), behind only Andrew Harris (29).
• Oliveira needs 62 rushing yards to move into 5^th on the Blue Bombers’ all-time list, passing Gerry James (5,541).
• Last season, Calgary was 3-1 against Winnipeg, ending an 0-6 run
• Vernon Adams Jr.’s next win will be his 50^th
• Last season, Dedrick Mills rushed for a career-high 1,409 yards (5.6 yards per carry)

EDM at OTT

• Edmonton swept the season series 2-0 in 2025
• Cody Fajardo needs three TD passes to reach 100 and two rushing TDs for 50. His next win will be his 50^th as a starter.
• Edmonton last won its season opener in 2019
• Fajardo is 9-1 against Ottawa; Jake Maier is 3-3 versus Edmonton
• Ryan Dinwiddie will make his debut as Ottawa’s fourth head coach. He went 51–35 (.593) with Toronto, making the playoffs in four of five season
• Justin Hardy needs 29 receptions to move past Greg Ellingson (332) for third on Ottawa’s all-time list
• Eugene Lewis – the active leader in TD receptions – is three away from 50 in his career

TORONTO – Week 1’s injury reports for all teams will be housed here and will be updated daily.

MONTREAL ALOUETTES AT HAMILTON TIGER-CATS

Thursday, June 4 | 7:30 p.m. ET | Hamilton Stadium

WINNIPEG BLUE BOMBERS AT CALGARY STAMPEDERS

Friday, June 5 | 9:00 p.m. ET | McMahon Stadium

EDMONTON ELKS AT OTTAWA REDBLACKS

Saturday, June 6 | 7:00 p.m. ET | TD Place

Tim Hortons Field, Hamilton, Ontario

Kickoff: 7:00 PM ET

Broadcast: TSN / RDS / CFL+ (International)

Venue & Game Setting

Tim Hortons Field — Hamilton, ON A modern 24,000‑seat facility known for swirling winds, tight sidelines, and a loud, hostile environment for visiting teams. Early‑season games here often hinge on special teams execution and field position because of unpredictable gusts off Lake Ontario.

Weather Forecast (as of game‑day morning)

Temperature: 64–67°F (18–19°C) at kickoff

Conditions: Partly cloudy

Wind: 12–16 mph from the southwest — cross‑field wind that may affect deep balls and long field goals

Precipitation: <10% chance

Impact: Slight advantage to Hamilton’s short‑area passing and Montreal’s run‑game stability; kicking game could be volatile.

Injury Report & Availability

Montreal Alouettes

QB Cody Fajardo — Probable (minor ankle soreness from camp; full practice)

RB Walter Fletcher — Questionable (hamstring tightness; game‑time decision)

WR Tyson Philpot — Probable (rest day earlier in week)

LT Nick Callender — Out (knee; expected to miss first 2–3 weeks)

DE Shawn Lemon — Probable (veteran maintenance)

Hamilton Tiger‑Cats

QB Bo Levi Mitchell — Probable (veteran rest; no structural concerns)

RB James Butler — Probable (ankle tweak; full participant)

WR Tim White — Questionable (groin; limited all week)

RT Jordan Murray — Out (shoulder)

LB Jameer Thurman — Probable (minor calf tightness)

Key takeaway: Montreal’s offensive line depth will be tested without Callender, while Hamilton’s receiving corps hinges on Tim White’s availability.

Team Records & 2025 Recap

Montreal Alouettes (0‑0, defending Grey Cup champions)

2025 Record: 12‑6

Strengths: Elite defense, disciplined secondary, efficient ball control offense

Weaknesses: Red‑zone inconsistency, occasional pass‑protection breakdowns

Hamilton Tiger‑Cats (0‑0)

2025 Record: 8‑10

Strengths: Veteran QB play, explosive WR group, strong front seven

Weaknesses: Turnover volatility, inconsistent run defense, OL depth concerns

Recent Team Form (Preseason & Camp Notes)

Montreal

Defense looks midseason‑ready; front seven generating pressure without heavy blitzing

Fajardo showing improved timing with Philpot and Cole Spieker

Running game inconsistent in preseason due to OL shuffling

Hamilton

Bo Levi Mitchell had a sharp preseason, emphasizing quick‑release throws

Butler looks fully healthy and explosive

Secondary communication issues surfaced in preseason but improved late

Key Player Matchups

1. Cody Fajardo (MTL) vs. Hamilton Secondary

Hamilton’s DBs struggled against layered route concepts in 2025. Fajardo’s accuracy in the intermediate zones (10–18 yards) could be decisive, especially if the wind limits deep shots.

2. James Butler (HAM) vs. Montreal Front Seven

Montreal allowed the fewest rushing yards per game last season. Butler’s ability to create yards after contact will determine whether Hamilton avoids long second‑downs.

3. Tim White (HAM, if active) vs. Dionte Ruffin (MTL)

White’s vertical speed is Hamilton’s best explosive‑play weapon. Ruffin’s physicality at the line is the counter. If White sits, Hamilton loses its top field‑stretcher.

4. Montreal OL vs. Hamilton Pass Rush

Without LT Nick Callender, Montreal may need to keep extra blockers in. Hamilton’s Ja’Gared Davis and Casey Sayles can wreck drives if they win early.

Series History

All‑Time: Hamilton leads 42–38

Last 5 Meetings: Montreal leads 3–2

At Tim Hortons Field: Hamilton has won 6 of the last 8

Trend: Home‑field advantage has historically mattered in this matchup, especially early in the season.

Betting Trends

Montreal is 7–1 ATS in its last 8 season openers

Hamilton is 5–1 ATS in its last 6 home openers

The Under is 6–2 in the last 8 meetings in Hamilton

Montreal is 10–3 ATS in its last 13 overall

Hamilton is 4–9 ATS vs. East Division opponents since 2024

GAME ODDS

Montreal Alouettes                        – 1.5

Hamilton Tiger-Cats                       50.5

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Wednesday, June 3, 2026