Bombers cut eleven, including preseason touchdown scorer Whop Philyor

Screengrab courtesy: Winnipeg Blue Bombers

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers have begun their training camp roster cutdown early by releasing eleven players on Thursday, including second-year American defensive back Josh Miller and American receiver Whop Philyor.

Miller played three games with the club in 2021, recording three defensive tackles. The five-foot-11, 180-pound corner finished the 2021 season by dressing for the club in last December’s Grey Cup win.

The Indianapolis native played in all 12 games with nine starts at cornerback for Ball State University in 2018, tying for the team lead in interceptions (two) and ranked second in passes defended (six).

Philyor was signed by the club this offseason and recorded one catch in the Bombers’ preseason win over Saskatchewan, hauling in a 78-yard touchdown.

The five-foot-eleven, 185-pound target made 180 catches for 2,067 yards and 12 touchdowns over four seasons at Indiana University (2017-20). His best season came as a junior in 2019 when he made 70 receptions for 1,002 yards and five touchdowns.

Philyor started 22 of his 38 career games for the Hoosiers, leaving the school ranked fourth all-time in catches (180), fourth in 100-yard games (seven), ninth in receiving yards (2,067) and sixteenth in receiving touchdowns (12). He signed with the Minnesota Vikings following his collegiate career but was released following training camp last season

Also released were American linebacker Darian Taylor, American receiver BJ Mucklevene, American running back Shane Simpson, American offensive lineman Leon Johnson, American defensive end Jordan Berner, and American defensive backs Corey Straughter, Zach Hannibal, and Javon Jackson. The team parted ways with one National, undrafted rookie offensive lineman Brandon Sanford of UBC.