Global defensive end Thiadric Hansen is slated to return to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers lineup on Friday after 390 days on the injured list.
The 30-year-old German became the face of the CFL’s Global initiative when he delivered a hellacious hit on special teams in the 2019 Grey Cup and has since developed into a productive rotational player. However, he has faded out of the spotlight since tearing his Achilles in the 2022 Labour Day Classic.
In 42 career CFL games, the former member of the Kiel Baltic Hurricanes has collected 37 tackles — 16 on defence and 21 on special teams — while adding four sacks, three forced fumbles, and four batted passes.
Hansen will backup another returning player, American defensive end Jackson Jeffcoat, when they take on the Toronto Argonauts. The 32-year-old Jeffcoat has missed the last two weeks with a hip injury but remains one of the CFL’s best edge defenders, recording 17 defensive tackles, five sacks, and two forced fumbles in 11 games while drawing rave reviews for his play against the run.
Also back from an extended absence is rookie second-round pick Jake Kelly, who made two defensive tackles and four special teams tackles as a backup safety at the start of the season. Global linebacker Les Maruo, Canadian defensive tackle Tanner Schmekel, and American defensive end Celestin Haba have all been moved to the practice roster to make space.
The Bombers (10-4) will host the Toronto Argonauts (12-1) on Friday, Sept. 29 with kickoff slated for 8:00 p.m. EDT. A sellout crowd of 32,343 is expected for the first and only meeting between last year’s Grey Cup competitors this season.
