Latest news with #Bombers'
Fox News
4 hours ago
- Sport
- Fox News
Blue Jays' George Springer hit in head with 96 mph fastball, leaves game with help of trainers
There was a scary moment in Baltimore on Tuesday night when George Springer was hit in the helmet with a 96 mph fastball. The Toronto Blue Jays outfielder was in the batter's box in the top of the ninth with the Orioles two outs away from a victory. Kade Strowd was on the bump for Toronto, but on the first pitch Springer saw from the right-hander, it drilled him. Strowd was visibly upset, and Springer lay on the dirt for a little while as he was tended to by staff. Springer walked off the field with some help from trainers. Blue Jays manager John Schneider hinted that the situation could have been much worse. "It kind of got him in his shoulder, then helmet, which… thankfully, he was able to turn a little bit, too," Schneider told reporters after the game. Schneider said Springer was being evaluated at the time of his media availability. He was not in the starting lineup for the first game of their day-night doubleheader on Wednesday. The Blue Jays recently placed catcher Alejandro Kirk on the seven-day concussion injured list. Toronto owns a 5.5-game lead over the New York Yankees in the AL East, as they continue their hot streak, and the Bombers' season continues to seemingly slip away. Springer has had a resurgence this season in Toronto, as his .291 batting average is his highest since batting .292 in Houston back in 2019. His .383 on-base percentage is also his highest since then, and he's already driven in more runs (57) this season than all of last year (56). He's also one home run shy of his total of 19 from the 2-24 campaign.
The Advertiser
4 days ago
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Bombers defender succumbs to another hamstring injury
Essendon defender Jordan Ridley's cursed run with soft-tissue injuries has continued after suffering a suspected hamstring strain. Ridley was subbed out of the Bombers' 93-point defeat to the Western Bulldogs in the second quarter with what the club described as "tightness". But Essendon coach Brad Scott is fearful Ridley has damaged his hamstring for the third time this year. The one-time Crichton medallist has been restricted to just 19 games over the last two seasons due to repeated to injuries. "A hamstring strain, almost certainly," Scott said. "We subbed him out immediately. "When he feels his hamstring, there's no point sugar coating it. "He'll go get a scan, and I hope to God I'm wrong. But doubt it. "It's incredibly frustrating, devastating, all the words that you can possibly think of to describe it." The Bombers have used 13 debutants this season - the equal most of any team in the AFL era - as injuries have ruined any hope they had this year. Essendon have 10 first-choice players currently unavailable, leading the Bombers to part ways with their high performance boss at the end of the season. The capitulation to the Bulldogs was their eighth-straight defeat, slumping to 6-12 with a percentage of 71.7 - the third lowest in the league. Essendon still have five games remaining this season - many in primetime - giving their inexperienced players a golden opportunity to impress. "It is a privilege to play AFL football, to be a part of it, so never take anything for granted," Scott said. "I sort of get that people, could be forgiven for thinking, 'well, what's there to be gained for us' - there's an enormous amount to be gained. "Because we are playing some players who wouldn't get an opportunity if we weren't in this situation, in terms of our availability. "With that comes opportunity for them to get better and test themselves against really good players. "I'm watching really closely to see how tight the group stays, how much fight they've got. "Because if you can fight and you can go through the hard times, it builds character and resilience for when we can execute better." Essendon defender Jordan Ridley's cursed run with soft-tissue injuries has continued after suffering a suspected hamstring strain. Ridley was subbed out of the Bombers' 93-point defeat to the Western Bulldogs in the second quarter with what the club described as "tightness". But Essendon coach Brad Scott is fearful Ridley has damaged his hamstring for the third time this year. The one-time Crichton medallist has been restricted to just 19 games over the last two seasons due to repeated to injuries. "A hamstring strain, almost certainly," Scott said. "We subbed him out immediately. "When he feels his hamstring, there's no point sugar coating it. "He'll go get a scan, and I hope to God I'm wrong. But doubt it. "It's incredibly frustrating, devastating, all the words that you can possibly think of to describe it." The Bombers have used 13 debutants this season - the equal most of any team in the AFL era - as injuries have ruined any hope they had this year. Essendon have 10 first-choice players currently unavailable, leading the Bombers to part ways with their high performance boss at the end of the season. The capitulation to the Bulldogs was their eighth-straight defeat, slumping to 6-12 with a percentage of 71.7 - the third lowest in the league. Essendon still have five games remaining this season - many in primetime - giving their inexperienced players a golden opportunity to impress. "It is a privilege to play AFL football, to be a part of it, so never take anything for granted," Scott said. "I sort of get that people, could be forgiven for thinking, 'well, what's there to be gained for us' - there's an enormous amount to be gained. "Because we are playing some players who wouldn't get an opportunity if we weren't in this situation, in terms of our availability. "With that comes opportunity for them to get better and test themselves against really good players. "I'm watching really closely to see how tight the group stays, how much fight they've got. "Because if you can fight and you can go through the hard times, it builds character and resilience for when we can execute better." Essendon defender Jordan Ridley's cursed run with soft-tissue injuries has continued after suffering a suspected hamstring strain. Ridley was subbed out of the Bombers' 93-point defeat to the Western Bulldogs in the second quarter with what the club described as "tightness". But Essendon coach Brad Scott is fearful Ridley has damaged his hamstring for the third time this year. The one-time Crichton medallist has been restricted to just 19 games over the last two seasons due to repeated to injuries. "A hamstring strain, almost certainly," Scott said. "We subbed him out immediately. "When he feels his hamstring, there's no point sugar coating it. "He'll go get a scan, and I hope to God I'm wrong. But doubt it. "It's incredibly frustrating, devastating, all the words that you can possibly think of to describe it." The Bombers have used 13 debutants this season - the equal most of any team in the AFL era - as injuries have ruined any hope they had this year. Essendon have 10 first-choice players currently unavailable, leading the Bombers to part ways with their high performance boss at the end of the season. The capitulation to the Bulldogs was their eighth-straight defeat, slumping to 6-12 with a percentage of 71.7 - the third lowest in the league. Essendon still have five games remaining this season - many in primetime - giving their inexperienced players a golden opportunity to impress. "It is a privilege to play AFL football, to be a part of it, so never take anything for granted," Scott said. "I sort of get that people, could be forgiven for thinking, 'well, what's there to be gained for us' - there's an enormous amount to be gained. "Because we are playing some players who wouldn't get an opportunity if we weren't in this situation, in terms of our availability. "With that comes opportunity for them to get better and test themselves against really good players. "I'm watching really closely to see how tight the group stays, how much fight they've got. "Because if you can fight and you can go through the hard times, it builds character and resilience for when we can execute better."
Winnipeg Free Press
6 days ago
- Sport
- Winnipeg Free Press
Rocky start for Bombers' bruising tailback
The Winnipeg Blue Bombers' leading rusher seven weeks into the regular season is Matthew Peterson. That's a feather in the cap of the Alberta-born rookie running back, who has impressed when called upon this season, and a promising sign for the depth that exists in the team's backfield, but it's far from what anyone had expected on a roster that includes the Canadian Football League's reigning Most Outstanding Player Brady Oliveira. It's been a rocky start for the Bombers' bruising tailback, and almost all of it has been out of his control. John Woods / THE CANADIAN PRESS The Calgary Stampeders held reigning CFL MOP and Winnipeg Blue Bombers running back Brady Oliveira (left) to just 15 carries for 68 yards in Friday's tilt. Oliveira injured his shoulder on the third offensive play of the season, which knocked him out for the rest of the game and two weeks after that. Winnipeg managed without their bellwether, leaning on Peterson while cruising to a three-game win streak out of the gates. Since Oliveira's return, however, the Bombers' offence has had back-to-back disappointing outings in which the team has fallen into large deficits and been forced to throw. 'It's almost reminding me of last season, kind of how it started — starting slow,' said Oliveira, who has 178 rushing yards on 30 carries and hasn't found the end zone this season. Peterson has 48 rushes for 245 yards and one touchdown. 'Obviously, that injury… even if I'm not 100 per cent, I'm gonna try to beat the odds, whatever the timelines are, and try and get back out on the field as quick as possible,' Oliveira added. 'I think I've done that with that injury, and I think now I'm just trying to feel like myself, and I think every single week I'm starting to feel like myself.' It's a modest explanation from the 27-year-old, who has been efficient when the ball is in his hands. Currently, Oliveira is tying a career-high 5.9 yards per carry and has been reliable in the receiving game, catching 11 passes for 91 yards. However, catching a bunch of passes isn't how the Bombers prefer to incorporate him into the game plan. Throwing the ball 40 to 50 times per game is something the team is happy to do if that's what it takes to win, but they would rather stick the ball into Olivera's gut and let him churn out yards behind the offensive line. 'These last two weeks, none of us were expecting that outcome. So I think for me… I just want to win games,' said Oliveira, who is on pace for 180 carries and 1,068 rushing yards — both lows since 2022, his first season as a full-fledged starter. 'Whether it's us getting the ball 12 times a game, or 20 touches, or 25 touches, whatever it's going to take in any given week to win the game, because I know every single week is going to look differently,' he added. 'It's going to be challenging to be able to lean on the offensive line and run the ball when you need to score points. It's a long season. You're going to see plenty of games this year where the offensive line and myself are going to take a lot of games over this year and help this team win a lot of football games.' The Bombers (3-2) are in Toronto to face the Argonauts (1-5) at BMO Field on Saturday (6 p.m. CT). It's a matchup that perhaps has Oliveira licking his chops, as the Argos are allowing the third-most rushing yards per game to opponents this season (118). 'I think when you're trailing, you've got to throw the ball a little bit more. No frustration there,' offensive co-ordinator Jason Hogan said about whether the last two games have frustrated him and how he's used Oliveira. 'I mean, I love Brady to death. I love him like a brother. But at the end of the day, it's what's going to help this football team win, whether that's one carry for a yard or 100 yards. 'I'd like to see him have success, but I also think the injury, getting his legs back into it, I think we saw a difference from the previous game against Calgary. So, it's baby steps, one week at a time.' The Bombers have eclipsed 400 yards of net offence in each of the last two contests, but it's been the turnovers that have crippled this team. Zach Collaros and Chris Streveler have thrown six interceptions combined — two returned for touchdowns — which has put the team in deep holes. Ruth Bonneville / Free Press Files Winnipeg Blue Bombers offensive co-ordinator Jason Hogan said he has been forced to rely less on the running game because the Blue and Gold have found themselves trailing against the Calgary Stampeders. It's been a series of untimely mistakes that have this offence stuck in first gear. 'I think (the offence is) where we want it to be; we just got to find a way to execute and finish,' Hogan said. 'You look at statistically the last two games, we got 400 offensive yards, we just got to end in the end zone with points.' Oliveira said the onus is on the players to start faster. It's going to be critical on the road this weekend. 'I think, at the end of the day, we as players need to go out there and execute to make it maybe a little bit easier on his plate as a play caller,' he said. 'It's going to take all of us to win games.' Injury update Head coach Mike O'Shea maintained that he's reserving hope left tackle Stanley Bryant (ankle) will suit up this weekend, despite not logging a practice, so far, this week. 'I saw him moving around pretty damn good,' O'Shea said. 'We'll see, though. You know Stan doesn't need to practise, though? A lot of the vets do not need to practice.' Thursdays Keep up to date on sports with Mike McIntyre's weekly newsletter. Bryant hasn't practised since being injured in the Bombers' Week 5 contest in Calgary. Should that continue into Saturday's game in Toronto, it would mark more than two weeks since he was last on the field. 'A lot of guys have played really well for a very long time (without practising),' O'Shea added. 'I don't think he needs any tune-up in terms of scheme or anything like that. And, once again, unless he's cleared to play, he wouldn't be playing.' Also not practising are running back Peyton Logan (thigh) and long-snapper Mike Benson (hip). Logan was injured early in training camp and has yet to suit up for a game, while Benson was injured in the club's season opener. X: @jfreysam Joshua Frey-SamReporter Josh Frey-Sam reports on sports and business at the Free Press. Josh got his start at the paper in 2022, just weeks after graduating from the Creative Communications program at Red River College. He reports primarily on amateur teams and athletes in sports. Read more about Josh. Every piece of reporting Josh produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the Free Press's tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press's history and mandate, and learn how our newsroom operates. Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber. Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
Global News
7 days ago
- Sport
- Global News
Winnipeg Blue Bombers QB Zach Collaros practices, will play against Argonauts
It was certainly a sight for sore eyes for fans of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Starting quarterback Zach Collaros was back on the field with the rest of his teammates to start the practice week. Collaros was a full participant on Tuesday, despite getting knocked out of their last game in the first half. Collaros was back at the controls of the Bombers' first string offence only four days after taking a hellacious hit in the second quarter of Friday's lopsided defeat to the Calgary Stampeders. Collaros has a history of head injuries but wouldn't confirm he suffered another concussion. Collaros said there's no chance he misses Saturday's Grey Cup rematch against the Toronto Argonauts. The team is calling it a neck injury on the official injury report. 'I had to come out of the game and be evaluated,' said Collaros. 'And felt that (I) shouldn't go back in.' Story continues below advertisement Collaros said he understands there's always a risk in football, especially at the QB position. Get daily National news Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. Sign up for daily National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy 'It's all I know, but it's part of the game,' said Collaros. 'It doesn't happen that often. Unfortunately, in my career, I've had some kinda chronic stuff come back up in different seasons. So, it's been tough on me obviously personally, but if you've played this game your whole life, you understand the risk of it. 'But again, getting back in the meeting room, being back on the practice field, you just, like, forget all about that and just keep going, you know. And you can't play the game to not get hurt. You got to get out there and sling it.' 5:51 RAW: Blue Bombers Zach Collaros Interview – July 22 Collaros has taken countless big hits throughout his 14-year CFL career. He said he thought last week's hit was clean, but the timing was late, and Collaros thinks the CFL can do more to protect the quarterbacks with bigger punishments for the late hits. Story continues below advertisement 'I just think there's not a lot of consistency,' said Collaros. 'It's kinda the bottom line. 'I have a lot of friends that watch and they say why wasn't this a late hit, this is a late hit. There's just not a lot of consistency. I think that's the frustrating part. I think there's ways to mitigate those hits from happening. I think they'd have to be drastic, and I don't think that the league or the association are ready to do those kinda things.' After back-to-back losses, the Bombers tangle with the 1-5 Argos on Saturday with kickoff at 6:00 p.m. Manitoba time.
The Advertiser
13-07-2025
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Battered Bomber looks to Will-power for inspiration
Norm Smith Medallist Will Ashcroft will be Nic Martin's inspiration as the Essendon midfielder deals with his season-ending knee surgery. The Bombers' injury crisis claimed Martin and Will Setterfield in Saturday night's horror show against Richmond, one of the worst AFL games in memory. Setterfield's foot was stood on and he is also out for the rest of the year with a Lisfranc injury. Martin showed impressive perspective on Sunday morning, ahead of Essendon confirming the bad news for himself and his teammate. "A bit flat ... wrap my head around it and just move on," Martin told the Seven Network. "In times of adversity you build a bit of resilience. As tough as it is, I'm really optimistic about what we can build post-this and the adversity the boys face will see them for the long term. "I've just got Will Ashcroft in my head a bit, how quickly he returned and found form straight away. "All you can do is take one day at a time and just get better." Ashcroft, like Martin, ruptured an ACL, which ended his 2023 season. The Brisbane young gun returned to win the Norm Smith Medal as best afield in last year's grand final triumph. Martin's teammates made a point of supporting him in the wake of his injury. "So humbling - unfortunately we've had a bit of practice with it this year," Martin said. "I felt so loved and cared for, really appreciated it." Martin is Essendon's latest long-term injury, and their 2026 season is threatening to be derailed before this one even finishes. He finished second in Essendon's best-and-fairest last year behind captain Zach Merrett, and was enjoying another strong season. He is the fourth Bomber to injure an ACL this season, joining Nick Bryan, Lewis Hayes and Tom Edwards. Martin and Setterfield make it 10 first-choice Essendon player currently sidelined, alongside Bryan, Sam Draper, Darcy Parish, Jye Caldwell, Kyle Langford, Ben McKay, Harry Jones and Zach Reid. "It's not just the players that aren't there, it's the players that come in," coach Brad Scott said. "They've never played together, and it ends up looking ... a complete lack of synergy and connection. "Rookie players making rookie errors, which is understandable. "Nic Martin's (injury) ... that just sends a shiver down everyone's spine at quarter-time when that word sort of ripples out. "These 12 months, injuries that are mounting up, it's going to be a real challenge to keep everyone's morale up, but that's the job of our leaders. "I think teams can adapt and cover one or two, but when you're talking about half of the team, you've just got to accept that the synergy's not going to be there." After slumping to a sixth straight loss, Essendon (6-10) have just five days to prepare to host rampaging GWS at Marvel Stadium on Thursday night. Despite missing a host of key players, Scott opted to drop forwards Archie Perkins and Jade Gresham to face the Tigers. Perkins collected 21 possessions in Essendon's VFL loss against Box Hill on Saturday, while Gresham didn't play. Norm Smith Medallist Will Ashcroft will be Nic Martin's inspiration as the Essendon midfielder deals with his season-ending knee surgery. The Bombers' injury crisis claimed Martin and Will Setterfield in Saturday night's horror show against Richmond, one of the worst AFL games in memory. Setterfield's foot was stood on and he is also out for the rest of the year with a Lisfranc injury. Martin showed impressive perspective on Sunday morning, ahead of Essendon confirming the bad news for himself and his teammate. "A bit flat ... wrap my head around it and just move on," Martin told the Seven Network. "In times of adversity you build a bit of resilience. As tough as it is, I'm really optimistic about what we can build post-this and the adversity the boys face will see them for the long term. "I've just got Will Ashcroft in my head a bit, how quickly he returned and found form straight away. "All you can do is take one day at a time and just get better." Ashcroft, like Martin, ruptured an ACL, which ended his 2023 season. The Brisbane young gun returned to win the Norm Smith Medal as best afield in last year's grand final triumph. Martin's teammates made a point of supporting him in the wake of his injury. "So humbling - unfortunately we've had a bit of practice with it this year," Martin said. "I felt so loved and cared for, really appreciated it." Martin is Essendon's latest long-term injury, and their 2026 season is threatening to be derailed before this one even finishes. He finished second in Essendon's best-and-fairest last year behind captain Zach Merrett, and was enjoying another strong season. He is the fourth Bomber to injure an ACL this season, joining Nick Bryan, Lewis Hayes and Tom Edwards. Martin and Setterfield make it 10 first-choice Essendon player currently sidelined, alongside Bryan, Sam Draper, Darcy Parish, Jye Caldwell, Kyle Langford, Ben McKay, Harry Jones and Zach Reid. "It's not just the players that aren't there, it's the players that come in," coach Brad Scott said. "They've never played together, and it ends up looking ... a complete lack of synergy and connection. "Rookie players making rookie errors, which is understandable. "Nic Martin's (injury) ... that just sends a shiver down everyone's spine at quarter-time when that word sort of ripples out. "These 12 months, injuries that are mounting up, it's going to be a real challenge to keep everyone's morale up, but that's the job of our leaders. "I think teams can adapt and cover one or two, but when you're talking about half of the team, you've just got to accept that the synergy's not going to be there." After slumping to a sixth straight loss, Essendon (6-10) have just five days to prepare to host rampaging GWS at Marvel Stadium on Thursday night. Despite missing a host of key players, Scott opted to drop forwards Archie Perkins and Jade Gresham to face the Tigers. Perkins collected 21 possessions in Essendon's VFL loss against Box Hill on Saturday, while Gresham didn't play. Norm Smith Medallist Will Ashcroft will be Nic Martin's inspiration as the Essendon midfielder deals with his season-ending knee surgery. The Bombers' injury crisis claimed Martin and Will Setterfield in Saturday night's horror show against Richmond, one of the worst AFL games in memory. Setterfield's foot was stood on and he is also out for the rest of the year with a Lisfranc injury. Martin showed impressive perspective on Sunday morning, ahead of Essendon confirming the bad news for himself and his teammate. "A bit flat ... wrap my head around it and just move on," Martin told the Seven Network. "In times of adversity you build a bit of resilience. As tough as it is, I'm really optimistic about what we can build post-this and the adversity the boys face will see them for the long term. "I've just got Will Ashcroft in my head a bit, how quickly he returned and found form straight away. "All you can do is take one day at a time and just get better." Ashcroft, like Martin, ruptured an ACL, which ended his 2023 season. The Brisbane young gun returned to win the Norm Smith Medal as best afield in last year's grand final triumph. Martin's teammates made a point of supporting him in the wake of his injury. "So humbling - unfortunately we've had a bit of practice with it this year," Martin said. "I felt so loved and cared for, really appreciated it." Martin is Essendon's latest long-term injury, and their 2026 season is threatening to be derailed before this one even finishes. He finished second in Essendon's best-and-fairest last year behind captain Zach Merrett, and was enjoying another strong season. He is the fourth Bomber to injure an ACL this season, joining Nick Bryan, Lewis Hayes and Tom Edwards. Martin and Setterfield make it 10 first-choice Essendon player currently sidelined, alongside Bryan, Sam Draper, Darcy Parish, Jye Caldwell, Kyle Langford, Ben McKay, Harry Jones and Zach Reid. "It's not just the players that aren't there, it's the players that come in," coach Brad Scott said. "They've never played together, and it ends up looking ... a complete lack of synergy and connection. "Rookie players making rookie errors, which is understandable. "Nic Martin's (injury) ... that just sends a shiver down everyone's spine at quarter-time when that word sort of ripples out. "These 12 months, injuries that are mounting up, it's going to be a real challenge to keep everyone's morale up, but that's the job of our leaders. "I think teams can adapt and cover one or two, but when you're talking about half of the team, you've just got to accept that the synergy's not going to be there." After slumping to a sixth straight loss, Essendon (6-10) have just five days to prepare to host rampaging GWS at Marvel Stadium on Thursday night. Despite missing a host of key players, Scott opted to drop forwards Archie Perkins and Jade Gresham to face the Tigers. Perkins collected 21 possessions in Essendon's VFL loss against Box Hill on Saturday, while Gresham didn't play.
