Ottawa Redblacks fans have a little extra intrigue to chew on before Sunday's game against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers — and it centres on who'll be lining up under centre for the opposition.
Zach Collaros, the Blue Bombers' star quarterback and one of the CFL's most decorated players, was back in full gear at practice this week after dealing with an injury. That's normally the kind of news that would have Redblacks fans bracing for the worst. But it's not that simple. Winnipeg head coach Mike O'Shea has a decision to make, and there's a real chance he opts to give Collaros a bit more time to heal rather than rushing him back into game action right away.
That would mean backup quarterback Dru Brown could get the nod on Sunday instead — and for the Redblacks, that's a scenario worth paying attention to.
Why This Matters for Ottawa
Facing a banged-up or rested Collaros is a very different proposition than facing Brown, who doesn't carry the same track record of picking apart CFL defences under pressure. For an Ottawa defence looking to build momentum and string together a statement performance, a start from Brown — rather than a full-strength Collaros — could be the kind of break the Redblacks need heading into a tightly contested stretch of the schedule.
Of course, nothing is confirmed yet. O'Shea hasn't announced his starter for Sunday, and Collaros practicing in full gear suggests he's trending in the right direction health-wise. Redblacks coaches and film crews will no doubt be watching Winnipeg's practice reports just as closely as their own preparation this week, since the identity of the opposing quarterback can shape everything from defensive game-planning to special teams strategy.
A Big Test Either Way
Even if Brown does get the start, Redblacks fans shouldn't assume it's an easy week. Backup quarterbacks getting extended playing time in the CFL have a habit of putting together career performances against teams that underestimate them — and Ottawa's coaching staff will know better than to let their guard down regardless of who's throwing.
For a Redblacks squad trying to claw its way up the standings, every game against a divisional or crossover rival like Winnipeg carries weight. A win on Sunday, no matter who's behind centre for the Blue Bombers, would be a welcome boost for a team looking to build consistency down the stretch.
Ottawa football fans will find out soon enough whether it's Collaros or Brown taking the snaps on Sunday — but either way, all eyes at TD Place will be on how the Redblacks respond.
Source: Ottawa Citizen
