Jaylen Smith returns for Winnipeg Blue Bombers against Elks

Photo: Blair Takahashi/COACHTAK/3DownNation. All rights reserved.

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

Jaylen Smith has been activated from the one-game injured list after sitting out in Week 2 due to a head injury. He recorded one special teams tackle during the team’s season-opening win over the Calgary Stampeders in Week 1.

The five-foot-ten, 228-pound defender was a second-round pick in the 2025 CFL Draft out of the University of North Texas. He made three defensive tackles and 22 special teams tackles as a rookie, finishing second on the team and tied for fourth league-wide in special teams tackles.

In a corresponding move, the team has placed Canadian linebacker Brody Clark on the six-game injured list. The rookie out of York University was a non-participant in practice this week due to a thigh injury and was listed as doubtful. The 24-year-old native of Delta, B.C. made three special teams tackles over two regular-season games to start the year.

Dru Brown, who was acquired from the Ottawa Redblacks via trade on Tuesday, will not dress for the game. He is not listed on Winnipeg’s official roster, which a team spokesperson indicated is because he remains in transit.

Offensive lineman Micah Vanterpool, who was previously on the six-game injured list, has been moved to the reserve roster. Other players who remain on the six-game injured list include receiver Kevens Clercius, defensive linemen De’Shaan Dixon and Tanner Schmekel, linebackers Lane Novak, Jovan Santos-Knox, and Jaiden Woodbey, and defensive backs Cam Allen and Ethan Ball.

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers (1-1) will host the Edmonton Elks (2-0) at Princess Auto Stadium on Thursday, June 25 with kickoff scheduled for 8:30 p.m. EDT. The Elks are coming off an overtime win over the Montreal Alouettes, while the Blue Bombers were on bye.

The weather forecast in Winnipeg calls for a high of 25 degrees and sun. The game will be broadcast on TSN in Canada and CFL+ internationally. Radio listeners can tune in on 880 CHED in Edmonton or 680 CJOB in Winnipeg.