The Winnipeg Blue Bombers will be without Canadian receiver Nic Demski when they take on the Montreal Alouettes on Saturday night.
Demski had been listed as a game-time decision due to the impending birth of his first child but has now been ruled out, signalling that congratulations will soon be in order. The 29-year-old has caught 17 passes for 224 yards and a touchdown in three games this season.
The five-foot-11, 216-pound offensive weapon is coming off a career year with the Bombers in which he recorded 64 receptions for 772 yards and 10 touchdowns — all personal bests — despite playing just 13 games. He also added 20 carries for 151 yards on the ground.
The Winnipeg native has played four seasons for his hometown team since signing as a free agent in 2018, playing a vital role in the club’s three straight Grey Cup appearances. He took home Most Valuable Canadian honours in the 2021 championship game after catching four passes for 27 yards and a touchdown.
The Bomber also placed two more game-time decisions, American receiver Carlton Agudosi and Canadian strong-side linebacker Redha Kramdi, on the one-game injured list on Thursday morning, further complicating matters in Demski’s absence. American linebacker Brian Cole II and rookie Canadian receiver Jeremy Murphy were activated in a corresponding move.
Taking over for Demski is fellow Canadian Brendan O’Leary-Orange, who has yet to record a catch this season. In three years since he was selected in the fourth round of the 2020 CFL Draft, the Nevada product has caught 19 passes for 233 yards and a touchdown in 18 appearances.
The Blue Bombers (2-1) will kick off against the Alouettes (2-0) at 7:00 p.m. EDT. This marks the first of two meetings between the clubs this year.
