There are two pieces of good news for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers as they return from a bye week Friday night.

First, they have a home game with the winless Ottawa Redblacks. Second, their starting quarterback is back in the lineup. Zach Collaros, who’s missed the last four games with a neck injury, should provide a boost to an offense that has been inconsistent this year.

“I think we have the right guys,” Collaros said when asked if Winnipeg can turn things around. “I think we have a talented group and on any given day, if we go out there and execute, I’m very confident we can win the game.”

Execution has been an issue for the Blue Bombers (4-4), particularly at home, where they are a stunning 1-4. That includes a 35-19 upset loss in their last game July 30 against a BC team playing third-string quarterback Kaidon Salter.

Not only is Collaros back, but left tackle Jarell Broxton and defensive tackle Cam Lawson should return to action Friday night.

“We’re a group that cares a great deal and wants to win,” Collaros said.

While Winnipeg is hoping for a reset of sorts to its season, Ottawa (0-8) just wants a win. The Redblacks come to town off a 42-20 defeat at Saskatchewan on August 7. They led 14-13 in the third quarter but a series of mistakes on both sides of the ball led to the Roughriders pulling away in the fourth.

Dating back to a playoff loss in Toronto two years ago, the Redblacks have lost 23 of their last 27 games. The stretch includes 14 consecutive setbacks.

“It’s been more of a challenge than I anticipated,” said first-year coach Ryan Dinwiddie. “But you know that’s part of it.”

Dinwiddie is using the East standings as a motivator. Because third-place Hamilton is just 3-6, Ottawa could still sneak into a playoff position if it can wind a way to close out close games.

“The season’s not over,” he said. “Find joy in the process. Have fun just like you did when you were a 5-year-old kid.”

–Field Level Media