CFL interception leader Demerio Houston returns as Bombers rest starters

Photo: Neil Noonan/3DownNation. All rights reserved.

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers will be resting a number of key starters for Friday’s regular-season finale against the Calgary Stampeders, save for one important returnee.

Cornerback Demerio Houston will be back in the lineup ahead of the playoffs after having missed the last two games with a knee injury. In 14 games this season, the 27-year-old has collected 48 defensive tackles and a league-leading seven interceptions, including one returned for a touchdown.

While Houston will slide into his usual boundary corner spot, there will be new starters at eight other defensive positions. Safety Brandon Alexander (knee) has been placed on the one-game injured list, while defensive ends Willie Jefferson and Jackson Jeffcoat, defensive tackle Ricky Walker, linebackers Adam Bighill, Kyrie Wilson, and Redha Kramdi, and cornerback Winston Rose will be healthy scratches.

In the secondary, Jamal Parker will continue to start in place of Rose and Canadian Nick Hallett will take over at safety. Brian Cole and Malik Clements will start at weakside and middle linebacker with rookie Jake Kelly sliding in at strongside linebacker. Celestin Haba, Miles Fox, and Thiadric Hansen will be at the top of the rotation on the defensive line, with Cameron Lawson bumping ahead of Jake Thomas at defensive tackle.

Defensive back Tyrique McGhee, linebackers Shayne Gauthier and Souleymane Karamoko, defensive end TyJuan Garbutt, and defensive tackle Tanner Schmekel will all dress in a backup capacity.

[metabet_core_odds_board query=”531083″ site_id=”3downnation”]

Offensively, quarterback Zach Collaros remains on the roster but has been listed as the team’s third-stringer, behind Dru Brown and Dakota Prukop. Brown will make his second start of the 2023 season, having completed 49-of-72 passes for 705 yards, seven touchdowns and no interceptions this year.

Canadian receiver Nic Demski will be a healthy scratch after crossing the 1,000-yard mark last week, as will left tackle Stanley Bryant. Drew Richmond will fill the vacant spot along the offensive line, while rookie American Ravi Alston will make his CFL debut in the receiving corps.

The Bombers (13-4) will visit the Stampeders (6-11) on Friday, October 27 at 9:00 p.m. EDT. It will be the final regular season game for both clubs, each of which has already clinched a playoff berth. Winnipeg has already secured first place in the West Division and will have a first-round bye.