Zach Collaros Returns From Injury To Start For Winnipeg Blue Bombers Against Calgary Stampeders
Winnipeg Blue Bombers quarterback Zach Collaros returns from a head injury to start against the Calgary Stampeders on Saturday at Princess Auto Stadium. Collaros sat out the team’s previous two games after suffering the injury during the Banjo Bowl against the Saskatchewan Roughriders. Head coach Mike O’Shea confirmed that the veteran pivot took first-team reps in practice and received medical clearance to play in the crucial Week 19 matchup.
Playoff Stakes And Standings In The West Division
The Winnipeg Blue Bombers enter the contest with a 7-8 record, sitting behind both the Calgary Stampeders (8-8) and the Saskatchewan Roughriders (8-7) in the West Division playoff race. The winner of Saturday’s game claims a vital tiebreaker in the race for the third seed or the postseason crossover. Defensive end Willie Jefferson described the game as a must-win situation, while receiver Ontaria Wilson emphasized that the team must focus solely on executing their jobs.
Collaros Returns to Practice After Head Injury
Collaros missed four games earlier in the season due to a neck injury before sustaining his recent head injury while attempting a tackle in the Banjo Bowl. He was subsequently placed on the six-game injured list, forcing him to miss losses against the Toronto Argonauts and Montreal Alouettes. During his absence, backup quarterback Dru Brown went 2-4 as a starter, completing 68.1 percent of his passes for 1,502 yards, eight touchdowns, and seven interceptions. Collaros was a full participant at practice on Thursday, marking his first full session back since the injury.
Collaros Intends to Play in 2027
Addressing his football future due to his injury history, the 38-year-old Collaros stated on Thursday that he intends to continue playing in 2027. Over 181 career regular-season CFL games, Collaros has completed 68.1 percent of his passes for 38,187 yards, 227 touchdowns, and 123 interceptions. He is a three-time Grey Cup champion and a two-time CFL Most Outstanding Player who is slated to become a free agent this offseason without a contract for 2027.
Stampeders Face Winnipeg on Saturday
Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. Saturday at Princess Auto Stadium in Winnipeg. The game will be broadcast live on TSN in Canada and available via CFL+ internationally. Radio coverage is available on 680 CJOB in Winnipeg and 770 CHQR in Calgary. The Stampeders enter the game following a 37-31 upset win over the Saskatchewan Roughriders, while Winnipeg looks to rebound from a heavy loss to the Montreal Alouettes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Zach Collaros And The Blue Bombers
What specific injury sidelined Zach Collaros for the Blue Bombers?
Collaros missed two games due to a head injury sustained while attempting a tackle during the Banjo Bowl against the Saskatchewan Roughriders. He also missed four earlier games this season due to a neck injury.
How did backup quarterback Dru Brown perform while Collaros was out?
Dru Brown started six games during Collaros’s absences this season, posting a 2-4 record as a starter. He completed 68.1 percent of his passes for 1,502 yards, eight touchdowns, and seven interceptions.
What are the broadcast options for watching the game outside Canada?
International viewers can stream the matchup live on CFL+, while Canadian fans can watch the broadcast on TSN or listen via regional radio partners 680 CJOB and 770 CHQR.