Canadian football news: Mike O’Shea will not say who starts at quarterback for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in Saturday’s East Final in Montreal, and Zach Collaros watched Thursday’s final practice from the sideline while he nurses a rib injury.
By Maplestime Sports Desk | Winnipeg, Manitoba | November 5, 2026
Sources: CBC News (The Canadian Press) | TSN | Winnipeg Blue Bombers | Last updated: November 5, 2026
Key Takeaways
- O’Shea refused to name a starter after Thursday’s final practice, and no answer is expected until Winnipeg releases its depth chart Friday morning.
- Collaros did not take part in Thursday’s practice and was limited in Wednesday’s closed session. He is listed as questionable with a rib injury.
- Dru Brown is expected to start if Collaros cannot play. Brown threw for 206 yards and two touchdowns in last week’s 25 to 22 semifinal win over Toronto.
- Running back Brady Oliveira is also questionable with an ankle injury after being limited in both practices this week.
- The East Final kicks off Saturday, November 7 at 3 p.m. EST, 2 p.m. in Winnipeg, at Molson Stadium in Montreal. A Winnipeg win would make the Bombers the first crossover team ever to reach the Grey Cup.
O’Shea Keeps the Quarterback Call Private
O’Shea gave nothing away after Thursday’s workout, the Bombers’ last practice before they travel to Montreal. “Once again, I don’t see any point in talking about the roster before we have to,” he said, echoing what he said after Wednesday’s closed session.
Even when the depth chart comes out Friday morning, Collaros could still be a game time decision on the 45 man roster, assuming his ribs have healed enough. O’Shea was just as guarded on Wednesday, when reporters asked if he would name his starter. “Why would I do that? Why would I share the roster? It’s the time of year,” he said. “I’m not going to share anything.” Asked how Collaros looked, he said only: “He looked good.”
Collaros Watched the Final Practice
Collaros hurt his ribs in the regular season finale against B.C. on October 23, a 34 to 10 Winnipeg win, on a hit by B.C.’s Nathan Cherry that drew a flag for unnecessary roughness. Cherry was later fined. CBC notes Collaros has been sidelined by three separate injuries this season.
The pattern this week matched last week, when Collaros missed the first two practices, was limited in the final closed session, and was left off the depth chart before the Toronto game. This week Winnipeg held only two workouts to keep players fresh. Wednesday’s session was closed, seemingly so Collaros could test the injury. On Thursday, with the practice open, he was a spectator. TSN lists him as questionable.
Brown Ready After Semifinal Win
All signs point to Brown getting a second straight start if last week is any guide, but nothing is confirmed. Brown was traded back to Winnipeg from the Ottawa Redblacks earlier this season, reuniting with the club where he started his CFL career. He started six regular season games while Collaros was out, going 2 and 4.
Last week Brown led the Bombers to the 25 to 22 East semifinal win over the Toronto Argonauts, going 18 for 30 for 206 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions, with the winning touchdown pass to Nic Demski with 44 seconds left.
Brown said Collaros stays deeply involved in the game plan while he is out. “He’s obviously very involved in the plan,” Brown said, adding that Collaros draws on experience against different defensive coordinators and players to offer ideas. “He holds a lot of value in that.”
Left tackle Stanley Bryant said the line trusts either quarterback. “We know both guys can go out there, handle business and do their job,” Bryant said.
Oliveira Also Questionable
Running back Brady Oliveira is also questionable for Saturday with an ankle injury. He was limited in both practices this week. Oliveira ran 20 times for 95 yards against Toronto. He finished the regular season with 237 carries for 1,493 yards and seven touchdowns.
Montreal Waits, Rested and 9 and 0 at Home
Montreal finished on top of the CFL standings at 14 and 4 and is coming off a bye week. The Alouettes are 9 and 0 at home, rank second in points scored at 32.5 per game and second in fewest points allowed at 25.4.
Montreal quarterback Davis Alexander was named the CFL’s Most Outstanding Player on Thursday. Alexander threw for 697 yards and five touchdowns against Winnipeg this season, completing 70.4 percent of his passes. Receiver Tyson Philpot caught 18 passes for 294 yards against the Bombers.
Winnipeg split the season series, each team winning a lopsided game. Collaros threw for 324 yards and two touchdowns in a 44 to 28 home win in Week 13. Brown struggled in a 37 to 10 loss in Montreal a month later.
Several Bombers players said the 25 points they scored against Toronto will not be enough this week. Right tackle Jarell Broxton was named the CFL’s Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman.
Maplestime will provide updates from the East Final as announcements are made.
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