The pass could be back in the Winnipeg attack when Zach Collaros returns from a two-game absence to lead the Blue Bombers into Saturday’s contest against the visiting Hamilton Tiger-Cats.
Collaros was sidelined with a neck injury and Winnipeg (7-7) used a run-heavy offense in last week’s 26-18 road victory over the Ottawa Redblacks. The Blue Bombers attempted eight passes — completing three for 54 yards — while halting a three-game slide.
Trey Vaval returned a missed field goal 128 yards for a touchdown — third-longest in CFL history — and returned another 71 yards for a league record 199 total yards. Brady Oliveira rushed for 100 yards and quarterback Chris Streveler had 72 rushing yards and a touchdown.
“That’s about as gritty a win as I’ve ever seen, man,” Streveler told reporters. “Coming into this game we said, ‘by any means’ and that’s about as unique of a win as I’ve ever seen and, honestly, just a complete team effort.”
Streveler gives way to Collaros, the two-time CFL Most Outstanding Player. Collaros’ season has been a bit rocky with 2,297 yards and 14 touchdowns along with 13 interceptions.
Oliveira (873 rushing yards) was thrilled to see the 37-year-old Collaros on the practice field.
“He’s been playing this game for a very long time,” Oliveira said. “We all know what he can do when he stands in the pocket and delivers the ball downfield. We also know when he escapes the pocket what he can do.”
Hamilton (9-5) holds a two-game lead in the East Division after posting a dramatic 29-27 home victory over the Edmonton Elks. The Tiger-Cats are looking to win the division crown for the first time since 2019.
Bo Levi Mitchell navigated a drive that ended with Marc Liegghio’s 41-yard field goal with no time remaining against the Elks.
Mitchell passed for 311 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. The 35-year-old entered the weekend leading the CFL with 4,194 yards and 28 touchdowns while being intercepted just eight times.
“The more I’m getting to know Bo, the more I’m seeing how clutch he is when the game’s on the line,” Hamilton coach Scott Milanovich said.
Greg Bell rushed for 93 yards and ranked sixth in the CFL with 749 rushing yards entering this weekend.
“I’m happy about the yardage but I’m a lot more happy about the win,” Bell said. “That’s all that matters right now.”
Bell accounted for two touchdowns and 168 scrimmage yards (137 rushing, 31 receiving) when Hamilton recorded a 32-21 win over visiting Winnipeg on Sept. 12. That was the first of the two games Collaros missed.
–Field Level Media
