Winnipeg Blue Bombers’ DL TyJuan Garbutt to make first career start vs. Riders

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers will have defensive lineman TyJuan Garbutt in the starting lineup when they visit the Saskatchewan Roughriders on Friday night.

The six-foot-two, 261-pound native of Fredericksburg, Va. spent most of last season on the practice roster but dressed for one game, making one tackle. He recently completed a stint on Winnipeg’s six-game injured list while Celestin Haba, Devin Adams, Ali Fayad, and Owen Hubert took turns starting at defensive end opposite Willie Jefferson.

Garbutt played 49 collegiate games at Virginia Tech where he made 36 starts, 121 total tackles, 29 tackles for loss, 12 sacks, four forced fumbles, and two pass knockdowns. Winnipeg’s pass rush has had a relatively slow start to the season, recording seven sacks over six games.

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Kody Case has taken over from Chris Smith at kick returner in what will be his first career CFL game. The five-foot-ten, 182-pound speedster had a stint with the Indianapolis Colts in 2023 after going undrafted following his final collegiate season at the University of Illinois. He previously played at the University of South Dakota where he caught 82 passes for 1,157 yards and nine touchdowns in 32 games.

Tony Jones will also make his Blue Bombers debut in a depth role at linebacker. The Texas Tech product was in training camp with the Edmonton Elks but was released as part of final roster cuts after making 41 defensive tackles, 11 special teams tackles, one sack, and one forced fumble with the Elks last year. He’s been on Winnipeg’s practice roster since.

Canadian defensive back Noah Hallett will see the field for the first time since 2022 in a depth role at safety. The native of London, Ont. and the younger brother of veteran defensive back Nick Hallett has played only 11 games due to injury since being selected in the second round of the 2020 CFL Draft out of McMaster University.

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers (2-4) will visit the Saskatchewan Roughriders (4-1) on Friday, July 19 with kickoff slated for 9:30 p.m. EDT.

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