By Canadian Press

Brown returns from injury as Redblacks face Stampeders without Adams Jr.

Jul 30, 2025 | 1:45 PM

OTTAWA — The Ottawa Redblacks return from a bye week looking to reboot a season slipping away.

Sitting last in the CFL East at 1-6, Ottawa will try to climb back into the playoff mix with a second win over the Calgary Stampeders (5-2) on Thursday night.

Despite four straight losses, the Redblacks are only a win behind the 2-5 Argonauts — and hoping to close the gap with a much-needed result.

“I think for them to get away was important, to clear their mind and at the same time to analyze us as coaches,” head coach Bob Dyce said of the bye. “To analyze what we’re doing well and what we need to do better, and I think it’s the same thing for them.”

Dyce said the coaching staff used the break to make adjustments, while players emphasized staying in the moment and not getting ahead of themselves.

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“You know, it is concerning, but I’ve been part of this league for a long time and I’ve seen crazy things happen,” said defensive lineman Mike Wakefield. “I’ve still got a big belief that we’ll turn this thing around.”

The bye week also gave quarterback Dru Brown time to recover from the headshot that forced him out against Hamilton. He’s already missed three games with a hip injury from the season opener and is still searching for the form he showed last year.

Things won’t get any easier against a Calgary defence that ranks among the league’s best.

The Stampeders lead the CFL in fewest points allowed, giving up just 17.9 per game, and have surrendered only eight offensive touchdowns all season. Calgary makes it tough to score in the red zone, giving up touchdowns on only 8.4 per cent of opponent drives, to lead the league.

Ottawa’s lone win came against Calgary in Week 3 with Dustin Crum under centre. With the Stampeders (5-2) coming off just their second loss and quarterback Vernon Adams Jr. sidelined with a head injury, the Redblacks have a shot at a season sweep.

P.J. Walker, who went 3-of-7 for 20 yards in relief, will make his first CFL start in Adams’s place.

The Redblacks will finally see veteran centre Peter Godber, who’s set to make his season debut.

Godber says he’s done everything he can to make sure Brown will have the time he needs to operate.

“Dru is one of the elite quarterbacks in the league. He’s a great player, and we put that responsibility on our backs to protect him,” Godber said. “The key to scoring points against this great defence is good protection. They’re a great D-line, so it’s definitely going to be a challenge for us — but that’s why we play.”

Ottawa will also get reinforcements with veteran receiver Bralon Addison and cornerback C.J. Coldon returning to the lineup.

STAMPEDERS (5-2) AT REDBLACKS (1-6)

JUST FOR KICKS: Rene Paredes is one field goal shy of 600 for his career — a mark only six other players in CFL history have reached.

NOT SO SWEET HOME: Calgary is a perfect 3-0 on the road this year, outscoring opponents 94-49, while Ottawa remains winless (0-3) at TD Place.

RED ZONE WARRIORS: Calgary’s red zone efficiency has been a major factor in its success this season, converting 13 touchdowns on 19 trips for a league-best efficiency of 68.4 per cent.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 30, 2025.

Lisa Wallace, The Canadian Press

<!– Photo: f266eff02865e731824d1b17b6e4abb95b78d121c871c1af4f387ef4a585df23.jpg, Caption: Ottawa Redblacks quarterback Dru Brown passes against the Edmonton Elks during first-half CFL action in Edmonton, on Sunday, July 6, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson

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