Collaros returns for Bombers as Stampeders eye West Division race
Winnipeg's Zach Collaros is set to start Friday against winless Ottawa, in a game with direct playoff implications for the Calgary Stampeders in the CFL's West Division.
Why it matters
The outcome affects the West Division standings that the Calgary Stampeders are competing in for a playoff spot.
Winnipeg Blue Bombers quarterback Zach Collaros is returning to the lineup Friday night against the Ottawa Redblacks at Princess Auto Stadium after missing more than a month with a neck injury suffered July 5 in a win over Hamilton. The 37-year-old, who has a lengthy history of head and neck injuries, said the layoff was difficult given football's limited game schedule.
Winnipeg enters at 4-4 after losing its last two home games, surrendering 87 combined points to the Calgary Stampeders and B.C. Lions. Those four home losses are the club's most since 2016, putting the Bombers in danger of slipping in the West Division standings, where the Stampeders sit at 4-5 and the Lions at 3-5.
Ottawa arrives at 0-8, extending a combined losing streak to 14 games dating back to last season. Despite the winless record, Bombers players and Ottawa head coach Mike O'Shea both said the Redblacks remain a tough, motivated opponent. Ottawa recently fired its defensive co-ordinator and released several starters, moves head coach Ryan Dinwiddie said were meant to spark the defence rather than signal a shift toward next season.
Compiled by the Alberta Daily Desk — an AI-written summary of reporting from the credited sources below, produced and reviewed under our editorial policy.