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The Winnipeg Blue Bombers returned to practice Monday following their final bye week of the regular season. However, injured quarterback Zach Collaros did not participate, raising fresh concerns ahead of the team’s Week 17 matchup against the Toronto Argonauts.
Collaros suffered a head injury after going down at the sidelines during the Banjo Bowl. The official injury report confirmed the diagnosis. Along with Collaros, running back Brady Oliveira (ankle), receiver Nic Demski (ankle), offensive lineman Stanley Bryant (ankle) and Cam Lawson (foot) also missed Monday’s session.
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O’Shea Remains Hopeful on Collaros
Despite the concerning injury report, head coach Mike O’Shea expressed cautious optimism about his quarterback’s chances of playing Friday. “He’s Zach,” O’Shea told reporters after practice. “And we’ve had games where he hasn’t played, and that’s why we have teammates.”
O’Shea added that players across the roster stand ready to step up when needed. “There’s guys ready to step up and honour their teammates,” he said. “And if Zach can’t go, there’s guys that will step up and honour his work. And if he can go, well then he’s Zach.”
However, the recent history offers a sobering signal. Since 2024, Collaros has either missed the first practice of the week or been limited six times. In all six of those instances, he did not play that week.
Dru Brown Ready to Step In
Backup quarterback Dru Brown ran the first-team offence on Monday. That strongly suggests he will start against the Argonauts if Collaros cannot go. Brown already started four games earlier this season while Collaros recovered from a neck injury following his trade from the Ottawa RedBlacks. He finished those starts with a 2–2 record, including a win over Toronto.
Now, after three months in the system, Brown says the role feels increasingly natural. “I think anytime you spend more time at something, you’re more comfortable,” Brown told reporters. “And also, just continuing to learn the guys. I’ve gotten to observe and see what guys do well, and maybe how to throw at certain guys.”
Defensive Players Return, Roster Moves Made
Monday also brought some positive news on the defensive side. Defensive back Michael Griffin returned to practice after missing the Bombers’ last five games. Defensive lineman De’Shaan Dixon also took part, returning from a hip injury that kept him out since the season opener.
In addition, Winnipeg made several practice roster moves. The team re-signed defensive end Thiadric Hansen and added offensive lineman Nouredin Nouili and receiver Matt Henry to the practice roster.
The Blue Bombers face the Toronto Argonauts on Friday at Princess Auto Stadium in a key late-season contest. Whether Zach Collaros suits up will likely be the central storyline heading into kickoff.
