COLLAROS ABSENT FROM BOMBER PRACTICE

REGINA – The Winnipeg Blue Bombers were minus quarterback Zach Collaros in their first practice of Grey Cup week.

Backup Dru Brown took first-team reps Wednesday amid blowing snow at a minor-league field in suburban Regina.

Collaros sustained an apparent right ankle injury when he was tackled in the fourth quarter of Sunday’s West final win over the B.C. Lions.

“You never want to have to answer questions like this,” Brown said. “I just prepare to play. If it happens, it happens. I don’t wish bad upon anybody, but you prepare to play.”

Neither O’Shea nor Collaros spoke to media post-practice. The Blue Bombers that did evaded predictions over their starting quarterback’s status.

“He’s in high spirits,” Bombers slotback Nic Demski said. “That’s all I really need to see from him. As long as he’s confident, I’ll be confident.”

Collaros is the West Division’s nominee for the CFL’s Most Outstanding Player – he won MOP in 2021 – and could make it back-to-back trophies in Thursday evening’s awards ceremony.

The Bombers are chasing a third straight Grey Cup title after victories in 2019 and 2021. The 2020 season was cancelled because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

CFL quarterbacks tend to get oversized credit, and blame, for game outcomes. The Blue Bombers, favourites to three-peat on Sunday, excel on defence and special teams as well as offence.

A team doesn’t lift the trophy in November without a proficient quarterback, however.

Collaros can move the chains with his efficient and accurate arm, but a stiff ankle could hinder scrambling and throwing on the run Sunday.

“He’s going to play. No question about it,” Argonauts coach Ryan Dinwiddie said. “Will he be as mobile as he’s been all year? I don’t know. I anticipate that he will.

“It’s unfortunate he got hurt, but I’m pretty sure that he’s going to be playing.”

(CP)