Samwise CFL Newsletter
Wednesday, June 17, 2026
Samuel Emilus hat trick powers Roughriders past Lions in film breakdown
Saskatchewan Roughriders receiver Samuel Emilus tied his single-game CFL career-high with three touchdown catches in Saturday’s 31-27 Week 2 win over the BC Lions, 3DownNation detailed Wednesday in a film breakdown. The Canadian, who completed the second hat trick of his five-year career, finished with 91 yards. Quarterback Trevor Harris connected with Emilus on back-to-back corner routes on the decisive drive, the first a 29-yard gain against cover zero and the second the game-winning end-zone score. Emilus also beat defensive back Robert Kent Jr. on a deep hook route in the end zone for an earlier touchdown.
Sources: 3DownNation
Author urges CFL to revive American expansion to land bigger U.S. TV deal
Sociologist and author Dr. Reginald Bibby is urging the CFL to add American-based franchises, Global News reported Wednesday. While acknowledging Quebec City as a logical Canadian expansion target, Bibby argues U.S. clubs are needed to land a meaningful American media deal. His plan keeps the East-West format, placing American teams in their own division, and suggests Spokane, Milwaukee, Detroit and Syracuse markets bordering existing franchises. Commissioner Stewart Johnston said the league remains “squarely focused on Canada.” The CFL fielded American teams from 1993 to 1995 before returning to an all-Canadian format. Its CBS Sports Network deal expires at season’s end.
Sources: Global News
Roughriders top AMSOIL Power Rankings as Alouettes climb to 2-0
The Saskatchewan Roughriders lead the CFL’s AMSOIL Power Rankings released Tuesday by cfl.ca, remaining the team to beat after a season-opening win over the BC Lions in which Trevor Harris threw for 417 yards and three touchdowns. The Montreal Alouettes sit close behind at 2-0 following another strong offensive display, with Davis Alexander and Tyson Philpot leading the attack. Edmonton and Calgary both enjoyed Week 2 byes, while Winnipeg slipped after surrendering more than 400 yards to Hamilton. Toronto drew optimism despite its loss to Montreal, and Ottawa also had a bye after opening in difficult weather.
Sources: CFL.ca
Philpot repeats as offensive player of the week in high-scoring Week 2
Montreal Alouettes receiver Tyson Philpot was named 3DownNation’s offensive player of the week for the second straight week, the outlet announced Tuesday, after catching nine passes for 193 yards and two touchdowns in a 37-30 win over Toronto. Saskatchewan defensive back Antoine Brooks Jr. earned defensive honours with a game-high 13 tackles, one tackle for loss and one pass knockdown against BC. Alouettes linebacker Micah Awe took special teams recognition. The outlet noted defences struggled across the board in Week 2, as all six teams scored at least 27 points in the three high-scoring contests.
Sources: 3DownNation
Elks add ex-Argonauts lineman John Bosse to practice roster
The Edmonton Elks signed Canadian offensive lineman John Bosse and American offensive lineman Joe Cooper to their practice roster, 3DownNation reported Tuesday. Bosse, a 6-foot-4, 335-pound product of the University of Calgary, joins Edmonton after two seasons with the Toronto Argonauts, where he played 19 games, made 11 starts in 2025 and was part of the 2024 Grey Cup-winning roster. The 25-year-old from Fort Myers, Florida, was a 2024 third-round draft pick. Cooper, a 6-foot-7, 320-pound lineman, arrives after four seasons at NCAA Division II Slippery Rock University from 2021 to 2025.
Sources: 3DownNation
Eastern Conference
Eastern Division
1. Montreal Alouettes — 4 pts (2-0-0)
2. Hamilton Tiger-Cats — 2 pts (1-1-0)
3. Ottawa Redblacks — 0 pts (0-1-0)
4. Toronto Argonauts — 0 pts (0-1-0)
Western Conference
Western Division
1. Saskatchewan Roughriders — 2 pts (1-0-0)
2. Edmonton Elks — 2 pts (1-0-0)
3. Winnipeg Blue Bombers — 2 pts (1-1-0)
4. Calgary Stampeders — 0 pts (0-1-0)
5. BC Lions — 0 pts (0-1-0)
Curated by JD · samwise.agency
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