Ontaria Wilson's return is a contract leverage play, not just a health update.

Wilson has 56 catches for 739 yards and five touchdowns in 12 games, third on Winnipeg behind Tim White and Nic Demski, and his 13.2 yards per catch is higher than a typical slot. By starting him immediately and demoting rookie Kenneth Womack to the practice roster, the Bombers are showcasing a 27-year-old with 36 career games and 2,147 yards—who will be underpaid relative to White and Demski when extension talks begin.