Samwise CFL Newsletter
Wednesday, May 20, 2026
Stampeders Top Roughriders 20–15 in CFL Preseason Opener
Calgary defeated Saskatchewan 20–15 at McMahon Stadium on Victoria Day Monday. Vernon Adams Jr. connected with Jalen Philpot on a 70-yard touchdown pass for the first score of 2026 CFL preseason action. Josh Love added a one-yard rushing touchdown, and the Stampeders defence recorded three sacks while linebacker Kyle Wilson intercepted Roughriders quarterback Trevor Harris on Saskatchewan’s opening drive. Calgary rotated four quarterbacks including Adams and Ben Woolridge, giving coaching staff valuable evaluation time. For Saskatchewan, backup Brayden Schager provided a bright spot with a 20-yard rushing score late in the contest. The regular season opens June 4.
Sources: 3DownNation
Cleveland Browns Waive Former CFL Return Leader Isaiah Wooden
The Cleveland Browns waived return specialist Isaiah Wooden on Tuesday, making the 26-year-old a free agent and opening the door to a potential CFL return. Wooden signed a futures contract with Cleveland in January following workouts with five NFL clubs, but did not appear in any games during the season. The former Hamilton Tiger-Cats standout had a dominant 2025 CFL campaign, recording 1,782 return yards and three touchdowns across 14 regular-season games despite an arm injury, leading the league in punt return average at 15.0 yards per attempt and finishing second in kickoff return average at 26.3 yards.
Sources: 3DownNation
Roughriders Sign Oregon Receiver Johnny Johnson III Ahead of Training Camp
The Saskatchewan Roughriders have signed American wide receiver Johnny Johnson III, adding a college-proven pass-catcher to their training camp roster. The 27-year-old was a standout at the University of Oregon, catching 139 passes for 1,928 yards and 15 touchdowns across his collegiate career. Johnson went undrafted in 2022 and signed with the Houston Texans, appearing in two regular-season games over three seasons without recording a reception. In a corresponding move, Saskatchewan released American defensive back Garnett Hollis Jr. The Roughriders enter 2026 as defending Grey Cup champions, with the regular season scheduled to open June 4 against the Edmonton Elks.
Sources: 3DownNation
BC Lions Sign QB Doege, Place Defensive Lineman Laulile on Six-Game Injured List
The BC Lions made a pair of training camp roster moves on Tuesday, officially signing American quarterback Jarret Doege while placing American defensive lineman Tomasi Laulile on the six-game injured list. Doege has previous CFL experience with the Edmonton Elks and Toronto Argonauts, dressing for all 18 regular-season games with the Argonauts last season while making two starts. Laulile, who joined the Lions in 2025 after stints in the NFL and USFL, is sidelined as camp gets underway. BC opens their preseason schedule Saturday, May 23 at home against the Edmonton Elks in Langford.
Sources: CFL.ca
Alouettes Add National Quarterback Desjardins Among Wave of Training Camp Signings
The Montreal Alouettes signed National quarterback Arnaud Desjardins and American quarterback James Morgan on Tuesday, along with a wave of other training camp additions including defensive backs Damonte Smith and Malick Sylla, offensive lineman Reuben Fatheree II, and defensive lineman Shomari Lawrence. The team released tight end Oscar Cardenas and defensive back Derrick Langford Jr. in corresponding moves. Desjardins is a rare Canadian-born quarterback competing for a CFL roster spot, and his presence aligns with the league’s ongoing efforts to develop national talent at the sport’s most pivotal position. The Alouettes open regular-season play June 4 in Hamilton.
Sources: CFL.ca
2026 CFL Preseason
Completed
Calgary Stampeders 20 — Saskatchewan Roughriders 15
Upcoming — May 22–23
Ottawa at Montreal — Fri. May 22, 7:00 p.m. ET
Toronto at Hamilton — Sat. May 23, 4:00 p.m. ET
Winnipeg at Saskatchewan (Saskatoon) — Sat. May 23, 7:00 p.m. ET
Edmonton at BC (Langford) — Sat. May 23, 7:00 p.m. ET
Regular Season Preview
Season Opener — June 4
Montreal Alouettes at Hamilton Tiger-Cats
Saskatchewan Roughriders at Edmonton Elks
Toronto Argonauts at Winnipeg Blue Bombers
Ottawa REDBLACKS at Calgary Stampeders
BC Lions at Ottawa REDBLACKS
Curated by JD · samwise.agency