Blue Bombers keep quarterback decision secret ahead of East semifinal

WINNIPEG · Winnipeg Blue Bombers head coach Mike O'Shea has not named a starting quarterback for Saturday's East Division semifinal against the Toronto Argonauts. Zach Collaros, the veteran quarterback, is recovering from a rib injury suffered last week and has not practised this week. Backup Dru Brown replaced Collaros and led the Bombers to a 34-10 victory over the B.C. Lions to secure a playoff spot. Winnipeg finished the regular season with a 9-9 record, crossing over to the East Division to face the 9-9 Argonauts.

O'Shea offered no update on Collaros's status after Wednesday's workout. "No real update," O'Shea said. "Just not practising, yet." He noted that Collaros is not required to practise to play and said the team will give him every chance to be ready. "He needs whatever he's going to tell us he needs," O'Shea said. Collaros has missed six games this season due to separate neck and head injuries.

Brown's performance against the Lions has sparked debate about who should start. He completed all 11 of his pass attempts for 185 yards and two touchdowns, showing once again how effective he is off the bench. Brown connected with Dorian Singer for a 30-yard score and later found Nic Demski on a six-yard grab. Brown downplayed the praise, citing his respect for Collaros. He said he tries to treat Collaros normally and does not ask him how he is feeling all the time.

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Brown has been behind centre for Winnipeg in both games against Toronto this year. He threw for more than 300 yards in a Week 6 victory, before a narrow loss in Week 17. Brown said the Argonauts have a great front that gets after the passer. He said they are very talented and can play the ball in the air, calling it a tough challenge.

O'Shea said the team has a history of going to extreme lengths to get a player back on the field, referencing past situations with Matt Nichols, Adam Bighill, Dalton Schoen and Collaros himself before the 2022 Grey Cup. The coach said they work with players to see where they end up at the last minute. O'Shea said they share a philosophy of giving a guy every chance to be out there on the field. The coach dismissed the idea that anyone is fully healthy at this stage of the year. O'Shea said nobody is 100 per cent. He said the team is not yet in a position to decide between a less-than-healthy Collaros and a fully healthy Brown, adding that you do not know until you are in that situation.

Inside the locker room, players expressed confidence in both quarterbacks. Running back Brady Oliveira said they are two guys the team trusts. He cited the experience of both Collaros and Brown and said the team has confidence in whoever gets the nod this week. The Bombers will face the Argonauts in Toronto on Saturday with a trip to the East Final on the line.

With files from Sportsnet and Winnipeg Sun