A long winter was made longer with a Week 1 bye for the Ottawa REDBLACKS, but finally, those five words can be said once more: it’s regular season game day.
The REDBLACKS are set for a 7:30 pm ET kickoff against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers for their home opener at TD Place, eying a victory that would set them off on the right foot.
Ottawa hasn’t seen game action since their 19-13 win over the Montreal Alouettes to close out the preseason schedule, which they did with a perfect 2-0 record. In that contest, Head Coach Bob Dyce kept the starters on the field for a large portion of the game, hoping to help them find some chemistry.
Dru Brown, who was acquired from the Blue Bombers in the offseason via trade, finished the game 20 of 33 passing, throwing for 247 yards, while Bralon Addison caught all six balls thrown his direction for 64 yards.
On the injury front, the REDBLACKS will be down a few big names on the defensive side of the ball, placing Justin Howell on the one-game injured list, and both Alijah McGhee and Brandin Dandridge on the six-game injured list. Tobias Harris, who had a 101-yard pick-six two weeks ago, draws into a starting spot. Offensively, Ryquell Armstead is listed as a game-time decision.
Fans coming to the park on Thursday night will kick off the REDBLACKS’ 10th anniversary season with the help of legendary quarterback, Henry Burris, who will be in attendance to mark the occasion.
SCOUTING THE OPPOSITION
In a rematch of Grey Cup 110 with the Montreal Alouettes, the Blue Bombers were handed a rare home loss, falling 27-12. Zach Collaros completed 20 of his 33 pass attempts for 209 yards, as Winnipeg was held out of the endzone until the final stages of the game, when Johnny Augustine found paydirt.
The REDBLACKS will have to watch out for future Hall of Famer Adam Bighill, who is set to make his season debut on Thursday night after missing Week 1 after suffering a partially torn calf in last year’s West Final.
It’s not all good news for the blue and gold, however. They’ll be without last season’s Most Outstanding Player Brady Oliveira, and Kenny Lawler.
IN THEIR OWN WORDS:
Dru Brown, quarterback, on playing his former team: “It’ll be fun. But competing every week is fun. So, it’s not necessarily any different. A win feels really good regardless (of who it’s against). Would it feel better (to beat Winnipeg)? I don’t know. I’ve never really had a chance to play a former team.”
Bob Dyce, Head Coach, on the excitement to start the season: “You want to get out there and play that first game of the regular season. The anticipation has been building for two weeks. It’s kind of like keeping thoroughbreds in the stable. These guys are champing at the bit. They’re excited to get the opportunity to play against a very good team, in front of their home fans.”
Jovan Santos-Knox, linebacker, on the different feeling in 2024: “This is a resilient group, we’ve got the right vibe in here. Momentum is everything. We’re emphasizing starting fast, getting out of the gate fast. You’re going to see a team that’s going to fight — all game.”
BROADCAST INFORMATION
7:30 PM ET | TV (ENG): TSN / TSN3 / TSN4 / RDS2 (French) / CFL+ | Radio: EN: TSN 1200, SiriusXM (ch. 167) | FR: 104,7 FM Outaouais
