Winnipeg’s Mike O’Shea said there is “no real update” on Zach Collaros’ rib injury after Wednesday’s workout, ahead of Saturday’s East Division semifinal against Toronto.
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Winnipeg Blue Bombers head coach Mike O’Shea said he has “no real update” on quarterback Zach Collaros as the team nears its date with the Toronto Argonauts in Saturday’s East Division semifinal.
O’Shea made the comment following Wednesday’s workout at the Fort Garry Lions Football Club, when asked who would be starting at quarterback. He said the situation remains unchanged because Collaros was “not practising – yet.”
Collaros is dealing with a rib injury suffered late in Winnipeg’s win over the B.C. Lions last week. Dru Brown took over in that game and led the Bombers to 31 unanswered points en route to a 34-10 victory and a playoff berth.
Winnipeg finished the regular season 9-9 and fourth in the West Division, setting up a crossover matchup in the East against the second-place Argonauts, also 9-9.
Collaros has been sidelined for the first two practices of the week, leaving his status for the game in doubt. The 38-year-old has already missed six games this season, with four missed due to an injured neck and two due to a separate head injury.
O’Shea said Collaros is not required to practise to play. “He needs whatever he needs,” the coach said, adding that the team is waiting for what Collaros will determine he needs.
The decision has sparked debate among pundits and fans, particularly given Brown’s performance when he stepped in. Brown was 11-for-11 passing for 185 yards and two touchdowns against the Lions, including a connection with Dorian Singer for a 30-yard score and a later touchdown catch by Nic Demski.
Brown also has game experience against Toronto this season, having started both meetings. He threw for more than 300 yards in a 30-21 Week 6 win and also started in a 30-28 loss in Week 17.
As the team waits, Brown said his focus is on treating Collaros normally while he recovers. “I don’t try to act like I’ve been in his shoes,” he said. “I try to think about it if that was me, and I wouldn’t want people asking me how I’m feeling all the time. So, I just try to treat him normally, like I always do.”
O’Shea said the Bombers continue to work with players as the season reaches critical decision points. “We continue to work with players to see where they end up at that last-ditch minute, when you got to make a call on it, whatever you feel that is,” he said, adding that the team shares a philosophy of giving a player “every chance to be out there on the field.”
Asked whether Collaros could play at less than full health, O’Shea said the team is not there yet. He added that “nobody’s 100 per cent” at this time of year and that a decision depends on what the situation looks like.
In the Bombers’ locker room, players said they trust either quarterback. Running back Brady Oliveira said, “Those are two guys that we trust… Whoever is going to be this week… we got confidence in both guys.”
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