Samwise CFL Newsletter
Sunday, May 24, 2026
Sam Hicks Scores Twice as Argonauts Down Tiger-Cats 20–10 in Preseason Debut
Sam Hicks scored two rushing touchdowns as the Toronto Argonauts defeated the Hamilton Tiger-Cats 20–10 in their first CFL preseason meeting of 2026. Hicks scored on a nine-yard carry in the third quarter and a four-yard run in the fourth as Toronto outscored Hamilton 20–3 in the second half. Hamilton's Larry Rountree III opened the scoring with a 46-yard rushing touchdown in the first quarter, finishing with a game-high 86 yards on nine carries. Neither team's starting quarterbacks saw significant action, leaving the spotlight on depth players battling for roster spots ahead of the June 4 regular season opener against division rivals.
Sources: TSN, Global News
Roughriders Edge Bombers 31–27 in Saskatoon's First CFL Game Since 1991
The Saskatchewan Roughriders defeated the Winnipeg Blue Bombers 31–27 in a memorable preseason game at Griffiths Stadium in Saskatoon — the first CFL contest held in the city since 1991. Canadian receiver Daniel Wiebe caught the game-winning touchdown with just 42 seconds remaining, lifting the defending Grey Cup champions to victory over their longtime West Division rivals. Winnipeg backup quarterback Taylor Elgersma, auditioning as depth behind veteran starter Zach Collaros, had a mixed performance throughout the game. The historic venue drew enthusiastic Rider support, underscoring the league's ongoing push to grow CFL football beyond its traditional markets.
Sources: 3DownNation, TSN
Elks Dominate Lions 34–16 in Langford as Rookie Demontagnac Exits with Injury
The Edmonton Elks posted a convincing 34–16 preseason victory over the BC Lions at Starlight Stadium in Langford, B.C., but the game was clouded by an injury to Lions first-round draft pick Nate Demontagnac. The rookie Canadian receiver showed his potential before leaving the game, sparking concern for a BC squad counting on him to contribute early in 2026. Edmonton's Taylor Powell connected with Austin Mack for a first-quarter touchdown, and the Elks' defence held the Lions to 289 total yards. Both teams will play one more preseason game before the CFL regular season begins June 4.
Sources: 3DownNation
Davis Alexander Exits Alouettes Preseason with Knee Scare, X-Rays Negative
Montreal Alouettes quarterback Davis Alexander left Friday's preseason opener against the Ottawa Redblacks with a right knee injury, but returned negative X-ray results from a hospital visit. Alexander was tackled from behind in the first quarter, sparking immediate concern for the Alouettes' franchise pivot with just two weeks before the regular season. Alexander, who led Montreal to a 9–1 record in 2025 when healthy, is expected to start the Alouettes' June 4 regular season opener in Hamilton. Head coach Jason Maas confirmed Alexander will sit out the team's preseason finale, a decision made before Friday's injury. Ottawa won the game 27–15.
Sources: 3DownNation, TSN
Elgersma Flashes Promise but Inconsistent as Bombers Fall 31–27 in Saskatoon
Winnipeg Blue Bombers backup quarterback Taylor Elgersma turned in a mixed preseason performance in the 31–27 loss to the Saskatchewan Roughriders in Saskatoon. Elgersma, auditioning for the depth role behind 14-year CFL veteran Zach Collaros, showed moments of promise but struggled with consistency against a sharp Roughriders defence that forced turnovers in critical situations. Collaros, as expected, did not suit up for the preseason contest. The Bombers open the regular season June 4, but Elgersma's development at backup quarterback remains one of the most closely watched storylines in Winnipeg's camp heading into 2026.
Sources: 3DownNation
What's Trending in the CFL
CFL Faces Pivotal TV Rights Negotiations After 2026 — Both the CBS Sports Network American deal and the TSN Canadian broadcast contract expire after this season, placing the league at a critical crossroads for its media future.
2026 Draft Class Starts Making Its Mark in Preseason Camps — First-round picks from the 2026 CFL Draft are already drawing attention, with several rookies seeing early action as teams finalize rosters ahead of the June 4 opener.
Hamilton Hosts Marquee East Division Opener on June 4 — The 2026 CFL regular season kicks off with Montreal visiting Hamilton, a high-stakes East Division matchup that will showcase Davis Alexander's full return to health.
Eastern Division
Preseason — Regular Season Begins June 4
Montreal Alouettes — 0 pts (0-0-0)
Toronto Argonauts — 0 pts (0-0-0)
Hamilton Tiger-Cats — 0 pts (0-0-0)
Ottawa Redblacks — 0 pts (0-0-0)
Western Division
Preseason — Regular Season Begins June 4
Saskatchewan Roughriders — 0 pts (0-0-0)
Winnipeg Blue Bombers — 0 pts (0-0-0)
Calgary Stampeders — 0 pts (0-0-0)
Edmonton Elks — 0 pts (0-0-0)
BC Lions — 0 pts (0-0-0)
Curated by JD · samwise.agency

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