Samwise CFL Newsletter
Wednesday, July 8, 2026
Today’s Stories — Wednesday, July 8, 2026
Adams Jr. Named Week 5 Offensive Player of the Week After Record Stampeder Rout
Vernon Adams Jr. delivered one of the most dazzling individual performances in recent CFL memory, leading the Calgary Stampeders to a 58‑36 romp over the Toronto Argonauts on Canada Day weekend. The 33‑year‑old quarterback completed 20 of 25 passes for 405 yards and six touchdowns without an interception, adding a 22‑yard rushing score for good measure, finishing just four points shy of the franchise’s single‑game scoring record. His season totals now read 11 touchdown passes against zero interceptions through five games. The 3DownNation awards panel named him the Week 5 Offensive Player of the Week, with B.C. Lions running back James Butler earning honourable mention.
Source: 3DownNation Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
Bo Levi Mitchell Undergoes Ankle Surgery; Tiger-Cats Expect Full Recovery
Hamilton Tiger‑Cats quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell underwent ankle surgery on Sunday after exiting the team’s Week 5 loss to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers with what initially appeared to be a serious leg injury. The Tiger‑Cats issued a statement Monday indicating they expect Mitchell to make a full recovery, though a timeline for his return remains unclear. The 34‑year‑old veteran vowed to return “ASAP” in a message to the fanbase. With Mitchell sidelined, Hamilton will lean on its backup options at a critical point in the season. The Tiger‑Cats entered the week at 2‑2‑0, tied with Toronto for second place in the East.
Source: 3DownNation Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
Ottawa Rules Out Bennett Williams for Season With Torn Achilles
The Ottawa Redblacks suffered another devastating blow to their secondary on Monday, ruling out American defensive back Bennett Williams for the remainder of the 2026 season with a torn Achilles. Williams sustained the injury during the team’s Week 5 loss to the Saskatchewan Roughriders last Friday. The news is especially cruel for Ottawa, which has struggled to a winless 0‑4 start and is already grappling with a growing injury list. Williams was a key piece of the Redblacks’ secondary under first‑year head coach Ryan Dinwiddie and now faces a lengthy rehabilitation to return in 2027. The Redblacks also brought back defensive back Eric Cumberbatch on the same day.
Source: 3DownNation Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
Tiger-Cats Make Kiondre Smith Franchise’s Highest-Paid Canadian in Salary Cap Era
The Hamilton Tiger‑Cats made receiver Kiondre Smith the franchise’s highest‑paid Canadian in the CFL salary cap era, according to a report from 3DownNation’s Justin Dunk published Tuesday. The deal underscores the organization’s commitment to retaining elite homegrown talent even as the team navigates a challenging stretch with quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell sidelined due to ankle surgery. Smith, a standout at the receiver position, earned the landmark contract through consistent production. The move signals that the Tiger‑Cats intend to build around Smith as one of the cornerstones of the organization, despite the adversity currently clouding the East Division club.
Source: 3DownNation Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
Rogers Acquires Full MLSE Ownership in $4.35B Deal, Including Toronto Argonauts
Rogers Communications signed an agreement Monday to acquire the remaining 25 percent ownership stake in Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment from Kilmer Sports for $4.35 billion CAD, making Rogers the sole owner of Canada’s most prominent sports conglomerate. MLSE’s portfolio includes the Toronto Argonauts, the NHL’s Maple Leafs, the NBA’s Raptors, MLS’s Toronto FC, and Scotiabank Arena. The deal is subject to league approvals and expected to close later this year. Rogers president Tony Staffieri called it “a defining moment,” while executive chair Edward Rogers pledged investment in “championship‑calibre teams.” Kilmer’s Larry Tannenbaum originally co‑acquired the Argonauts in 2015.
Source: 3DownNation Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
Dinwiddie Threatens Punter Gettman’s Job After Botched Tackle: ‘He Won’t Be Here’
Ottawa Redblacks head coach Ryan Dinwiddie levelled a stark threat at punter Noah Gettman this week, warning the player’s roster spot is in jeopardy after Gettman failed to make a tackle on Mathew Sexton’s 101‑yard punt return touchdown in last Friday’s 27‑22 loss to Saskatchewan. “If that happens again, he won’t be here,” Dinwiddie told reporters Tuesday, adding the team watched the clip together and called out the error publicly. Dinwiddie also raised broader concerns about Ottawa’s penalty discipline and football intelligence, noting certain players were close to being cut as the winless 0‑4 Redblacks prepare for Thursday’s road game in Edmonton.
Source: 3DownNation Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
Montreal Alouettes Sign QB Terry Wilson and Two Others for Depth
The Montreal Alouettes bolstered their roster Monday, signing veteran American QB Terry Wilson along with receiver Shaleak Knotts and defensive lineman T.J. Guy, while releasing linebacker Bubba Bolden. Wilson, 28, brings CFL experience after playing a depth role with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, completing 12 of 22 passes in regular‑season action. He attended Winnipeg’s 2026 training camp but left before the preseason and was placed on the suspended list before being released in late May. The six‑foot‑three, 207‑pound passer provides insurance at QB as the 3‑1 Alouettes prepare for a July 11 home game against Calgary.
Source: 3DownNation Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
CFL Standings — Week 5 Complete
West Division
| Team | W | L | T | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saskatchewan | 3 | 1 | 0 | 6 |
| Edmonton | 3 | 1 | 0 | 6 |
| Winnipeg | 2 | 2 | 0 | 4 |
| Calgary | 2 | 2 | 0 | 4 |
| B.C. Lions | 1 | 3 | 0 | 2 |
East Division
| Team | W | L | T | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Montreal | 3 | 1 | 0 | 6 |
| Toronto | 2 | 2 | 0 | 4 |
| Hamilton | 2 | 2 | 0 | 4 |
| Ottawa | 0 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
📅 Up Next — Week 6
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