Brown to start against former team
The Winnipeg Blue Bombers will be without starting quarterback Zach Collaros for their upcoming game against the Ottawa REDBLACKS on Sunday. Collaros has been officially listed as out on the team’s injury report, continuing to deal with a neck injury that previously sidelined him in Week 6. This marks the second consecutive game Collaros will miss due to the injury, which he sustained against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats on July 5.
In Collaros’s absence, Dru Brown is expected to start at quarterback for the Blue Bombers. Brown previously stepped in during Week 6, leading the team to a 30-21 victory over the Toronto Argonauts. In that game, Brown completed 25 of 31 passes for 339 yards, securing one touchdown against one interception. This upcoming start against the REDBLACKS will be Brown’s second consecutive start for the Blue Bombers.
The matchup holds particular significance for Brown, as he will be facing his former team. The Blue Bombers acquired Brown in a trade with Ottawa in June. Head coach Mike O’Shea confirmed on Friday that Collaros had not participated in practice and would not be available for Sunday’s game. When asked about Collaros missing another game, O’Shea commented that it must be difficult for anyone to miss out on something they enjoy doing.
Brown’s performance in Week 6 saw him complete 81 percent of his passes, demonstrating his capability to lead the offense. This will be Brown’s first time facing the REDBLACKS since the trade. The Blue Bombers‘ decision to start Brown was widely anticipated throughout the week, becoming official on Friday. Brown signed with the Blue Bombers in 2020 and made his debut with the club in 2021, having previously been the RedBlacks‘ starter for the 2024-25 seasons.
The narrative of Brown returning to play against his former team is generating considerable interest. Ryan Dinwiddie, the RedBlacks‘ general manager and head coach, had initially given Brown a vote of confidence during the offseason. However, after one preseason game, Dinwiddie named Jake Maier as the RedBlacks‘ starter, leading Brown to request his release and subsequently join the Blue Bombers. Dinwiddie acknowledged Brown’s potential motivation for the game, stating that Brown likely has “an axe to grind with it.”
Impact on the Blue Bombers’ offense
The Blue Bombers‘ offense will also be monitoring the availability of several other key players. Receiver Nic Demski, who is dealing with an ankle issue, and running back Brady Oliveira, who has a hip issue, are both listed as questionable for the game. Despite their questionable status, both players participated fully in practice on Friday, suggesting they could be in the lineup for Sunday. Demski expressed the team’s support for Brown, noting that everyone knows the situation and wants him to perform well.
Other players listed as questionable include offensive linemen Tui Eli (ankle) and Ethan Vibert (illness). Defensive tackle Cam Lawson is doubtful to play due to a hip problem. Additionally, six other players have been ruled out for the game against the REDBLACKS. These include receiver Kevens Clercius (knee), linebacker Jaiden Woodbey (calf), linebacker Lane Novak (knee), defensive back Ethan Ball (thigh), and defensive linemen Tanner Schmekel (calf) and Da’Shaan Dixon (hip).
Brown’s track record in Winnipeg includes a 3-1 record in his four career starts, with three of those games featuring over 300 passing yards. His ability to manage pressure and hype has been highlighted by Coach O’Shea, who noted Brown’s high emotional intelligence. The Blue Bombers currently hold a 3-2 record as they prepare to face the winless Ottawa RedBlacks.
The REDBLACKS, with an 0-5 start to their season, will be looking to secure their first win. Dinwiddie emphasized the importance of his defense performing well, regardless of whether Zach Collaros or Dru Brown is at quarterback for the Blue Bombers. He also mentioned that while they wanted to keep Brown in Ottawa, it did not work out, leading to McLeod Bethel-Thompson joining as the veteran backup.
Upcoming game details
The game between the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and the Ottawa REDBLACKS is scheduled for Sunday, July 19, at TD Place. Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m. ET. Canadian fans can watch the game on TSN/RDS2, while audiences in the U.S. can tune in via CBS Sports Network. International fans will have access to the action through CFL+.
The official depth chart for the Blue Bombers is expected to be released on Saturday morning. The team had a closed practice on Friday as they finalized preparations for the significant divisional matchup. The focus remains on Brown’s performance and the team’s ability to navigate the injuries to key offensive players as they head into Week 7 of the season.
Read Also
Source: cfl.ca
