After missing two straight weeks with a head injury, Zach Collaros appears to be nearing a return to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
The 37-year-old left a Week 14 win over the Saskatchewan Roughriders in the third quarter after being sacked by C.J. Reavis on a play that was ruled roughing the passer. The resulting head injury kept Collaros out for a loss to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and a win over the Ottawa Redblacks.
Backup Chris Streveler handled the duties under centre for Winnipeg, passing for 295 yards in the two games while tossing one touchdown and three interceptions.
The Blue Bombers almost completely abandoned their passing attack in Saturday’s win, as Streveler attempted just eight passes, as star running back Brady Oliveira handled the bulk of the load, rushing for 100 yards on 20 carries. For his part, Streveler ran for 72 yards and a touchdown.
Collaros has a history of dealing with head injuries and had already missed a game earlier this season with a neck injury.
“From a knee-jerk reaction standpoint, I can totally understand people’s concern with that,” Collaros told reporters Tuesday. “I’m not upset with that at all and I get it. But at the same time, talking about my livelihood and how I do my life for my family is not really other people’s concern.”
“If I shouldn’t be out here, then I wouldn’t be out here,” Collaros added.
The CFL’s Most Outstanding Player in 2021 and 2022 hasn’t quite been at peak form this season. Through 10 games, the six-foot-one quarterback has thrown for 2,297 yards, 14 touchdowns and 13 interceptions for the 6-6 Blue Bombers.
Winnipeg enters Week 17 tied for third in the West Division at 7-7. The Blue Bombers are set to host the Tiger-Cats on Saturday as they battle for a spot in the West semifinal.