Slumping Bombers turn to backup QB vs. Redblacks

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers won't have star quarterback Zach Collaros for Saturday afternoon's game against the host Ottawa Redblacks.

A two-time CFL Most Outstanding Player and three-time Grey Cup champion, Collaros was ruled out on Friday and will miss his second straight game due to a neck injury sustained against Saskatchewan on Sept. 6.

Blue Bombers coach Mike O'Shea had played it close to the vest on Thursday when asked if the 37-year-old Collaros would be under center against the Redblacks (4-9).

"Well, we'll see," he said, per the Winnipeg Sun. "I don't think so, but maybe. He's doing well."

Chris Streveler took the majority of the snaps in practice this week and will make his second straight start. Streveler tossed two interceptions in last week's 32-21 setback to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.

The loss was the third in a row and seventh in the last 10 outings for Winnipeg (6-7), currently tied for third place with the B.C. Lions for the final playoff spot in the West.

"Nobody's happy with where we're at, record-wise," O'Shea said. "They just know we've got to keep working ... do everything better around here."

Collaros completed 24 of 34 passes for 298 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions in the Blue Bombers' 30-27 victory over the Redblacks on Aug. 14.

Ottawa quarterback Dru Brown sustained a knee injury in that game, however he is poised to return on Saturday against his former team. Redblacks coach Bob Dyce said he's liked what he's seen from Brown in practice this week.

"Probably the biggest thing that I was looking at was to see how he was able to move around," Dyce said, per the Ottawa Citizen. "There are opportunities in practice where we do get pressure on the quarterback, and he slid around the pocket very well. If he had to move and take off, he was able to do that. So he looked very good to me."

Bralon Addison totaled a season-high 11 catches for 132 yards and Justin Hardy added nine receptions for 100 yards and a touchdown in the Redblacks' 38-27 loss to the Lions last weekend.

--Field Level Media