Winnipeg Blue Bombers swap one starter against Edmonton Elks

Photo: Samantha Keen/3DownNation. All rights reserved.

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers have made one change to their starting lineup ahead of Friday’s game against the Edmonton Elks. The team issued its official depth chart on Thursday morning.

Canadian defensive back Jaylen Smith has been moved to the one-game injured list due to a hip injury he suffered last week against Calgary. He did not practice this week and was listed on the team’s final injury report as questionable.

The native of Hamilton, Ont. has made seven starts at strong-side linebacker this season, recording 46 total tackles. The 24-year-old was originally a second-round pick in the 2025 CFL Draft out of the University of North Texas.

Smith will be replaced in the starting lineup by Michael Griffin II, who has registered nine previous starts at strong-side linebacker this year.

The veteran defender has made 39 defensive tackles, one special teams tackle, one sack, and one forced fumble this season, his third in Winnipeg. Over 51 career regular-season CFL games, he has tallied 139 defensive tackles, 31 special teams tackles, four sacks, four pass knockdowns, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery as a member of the Blue Bombers and Stampeders.

Smith’s roster spot has gone to Canadian linebacker Lane Novak, who was promoted from the practice roster. The native of Balgonie, Sask. has played 10 regular-season games since being taken in the fifth round of the 2025 CFL Draft, recording four special teams tackles.

Winnipeg can officially clinch a playoff spot with a win this week, though they’re 0-2 against Edmonton on the season. The 23-18 loss in Week 4 occurred when the Blue Bombers fumbled four times in the first half at Princess Auto Stadium, while the 22-19 loss in Week 12 came despite a 118-yard performance from Brady Oliveira at Commonwealth Stadium.

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers (8-8) will visit the Edmonton Elks (12-4) on Friday, October 16 with kickoff scheduled for 9:30 p.m. ET. The Blue Bombers got a key win over the Calgary Stampeders last week, while the Elks completed their sweep of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.

The game will be broadcast on TSN in Canada and CFL+ internationally. Radio listeners can tune-in on 680 CJOB in Winnipeg or 880 CHED in Edmonton.

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