All signs point to Streveler at the helm

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers aren’t offering any updates on the health of quarterback Zach Collaros.

“I personally don’t think it’s anybody’s business about Zach’s state right now,” said head coach Mike O’Shea after Tuesday’s practice. “I think he’ll be good.”

As expected, Collaros was in street clothes and did not participate in any drills. He’s listed on the injury report with a head injury.

Collaros exited Saturday’s Banjo Bowl late in the third quarter after taking a hellacious hit from an unblocked, blitzing C.J. Reavis. After a challenge from the Bombers, the Saskatchewan Roughriders defensive back was flagged for roughing the passer due to helmet-to-helmet contact.

Given Collaros’s history of head and neck injuries, the play reignited questions about whether the 37-year-old should ever take the field again.

O’Shea doesn’t think it’s appropriate for people to make such claims.

“That’s pretty cavalier to say that,” he said.

“It puts undue pressure on a person’s family and their circle.”

Offensive co-ordinator Jason Hogan didn’t have much of an explanation as to how that play unfolded. The Riders sent seven, and the Bombers only had six individuals blocking — including running back Brady Oliveira — and the rest was history.

“They brought pressure, and unfortunately he got hit. That’s what I saw, we all saw the same thing,” said Hogan.

“It’s hard to pinpoint somebody for something like that. I think there’s a lot going into a play that you might not see in the outside world.”

The Bombers can’t hide how uncomfortable it was to see Collaros on the turf for several moments before getting helped up and jogging off.

It’s the third time this season he’s failed to finish a game.

“He’s a person to us, so, it hurts. It definitely takes a toll,” said centre Chris Kolankowski. “We gotta flush it, play the rest of the game and worry about it after. So, it’s kind of in the moment, ‘Alright, let’s move on.’ And then afterwards, that’s when you check to see how he’s doing and if he’s OK and all that.”

Kolankowski added: “It’s tough, but we’ve all been there before… It’s kind of something you learn how to do. With anything, it takes reps. You see good friends go down and, it’s just, you have to honour them by moving on and playing good the rest of the game.”

Playing well without Collaros is something the Bombers didn’t manage to do. They were holding on to a 13-12 lead with him under centre, but went on to lose 21-13 to drop the home-and-home with the Riders. Backup QB Chris Streveler came in and failed to push the ball downfield. He went five-for-nine for 39 passing yards, with most of his attempts barely past the line of scrimmage, and two interceptions — one of which came on a desperation heave on the final play of the night.

Streveler took all the first-team reps Tuesday and all signs point to him getting the start Friday night in Hamilton when they meet the Tiger-Cats (7-5) at 6 p.m. CT.

“We all believe in Chris… As long as you feel comfortable with the people that are in your huddle, then you should be good to go,” said receiver Nic Demski.

“He’s shown flashes. I think if the game plan is comfortable for him, and comfortable for the team, then we’ll be alright.”

Streveler is 7-8 all-time as a starter and 2-0 this season. He had arguably the best game of his career in the season opener with three passing touchdowns to lift Winnipeg to a 34-20 victory over the B.C. Lions. His next start came in Week 9 and it was ugly. He threw three interceptions against the Toronto Argonauts, but fortunately for him, rookie returner Trey Vaval saved the day with a pair of return touchdowns in a 40-31 win.

Streveler has completed 66 per cent of his passes for 772 yards, five touchdowns and eight interceptions this season.

“He can pass the ball. I know as much as people think he’s not a great passer, I would say go back and look at the first game of the year when he had a lot of time to prepare,” said quarterbacks coach Jarious Jackson.

“Even though this week is a short week, he has time to prepare for it.

And also, as far as being a great runner, as well… We’ll take advantage of what he does well. It doesn’t have to be extravagant, doesn’t have to be anything out of the ordinary as far as the pass game goes. To me, it’s about getting plays that Strev can go out and execute.”

Regardless of what he’s shown since Week 2, Streveler remains confident he can lead the charge for the foreseeable future if necessary.

“I think the guys in this locker room are confident, too,” said Streveler.

“We’ve got a lot of meat left on this bone, so we just got to go to work every day, and I’m looking to get better and everyone on this team is looking to get better.”

The Bombers were also 6-6 at this point last year, but they were tied for first in the West Division. Now, it’s a much different story as they’re a distant third behind Saskatchewan (10-2) and Calgary (8-4) who they are a combined 0-5 against in 2025. B.C. (5-7) and Edmonton (5-7) aren’t far behind, either.

Never mind hosting a playoff game, the Bombers need to focus on just punching their ticket to the post-season.

“Let’s just take it one week at a time. We just got to focus on winning a football game this week,” said Streveler.

“That’s my mindset, and I think that’s the mindset of the guys in this locker room. The standings are what they are, we can’t do anything about that now.”

taylor.allen@freepress.mb.ca