Winnipeg Blue Bombers resting quarterback Zach Collaros for rematch with Alouettes – Winnipeg | The Canadian News

With the top spot in the Division West already secured, and two meaningless games left in the regular season, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers are going to play it safe.

The Bombers will have a new starting quarterback for Saturday afternoon’s rematch against the Montreal Alouettes as they are opting to rest regular starter Zach Collaros in favor of backup quarterback Sean McGuire.

Collaros is the CFL’s top quarterback with more than 3,100 yards, nearly 200 yards more than anyone else. And his 20 TD passes are also the best in the league. But Bombers head coach Mike O’Shea clearly feels his starting quarterback’s health isn’t worth risking, as Collaros isn’t expected to make plays Saturday.

“I think it will be Sean right now,” O’Shea said. “I don’t know if he (Zach) needs to rest. I think it would be nice if he went out and threw it at him. All the boys want to play, right? They want to get going. So there are a lot of factors that could play a role. “

Considering Collaros’ long injury history, it would seem like a wise and prudent move to let the CFL’s top Most Outstanding Player Award nominee rest to save him for the playoffs.

McGuire will make his first CFL start of his career, but third stringer Dru Brown could get some reruns, too.

“We’ll see how it goes tomorrow,” O’Shea said. “We will see the movie today, we will see that and we will see how it goes tomorrow. And then once again make a more informed decision as we go along. “

McGuire has been with the blue and gold for almost two full seasons. The 25-year-old has been used primarily in close range situations and leads the CFL with eight TDs on the ground.

“I’m excited and working hard every day, excited to be able to do it,” McGuire said. “The way I try to prepare each week is to be ready to play and prepare as a starter, prepare alongside Zach. Really, every week I treat it that way, and then when they told me this week, we got started.

“Either way, I want to win the game. Honestly, I don’t care what it looks like. I just want to win. “

McGuire has only completed four CFL passes in his career, including two this season and two in 2019. But despite his lack of experience, he still has the faith of his coaching staff.

“We’ve been into it for a couple of years,” O’Shea said. “We believe that he can step on the field and we believe that he can help us win soccer games.

“When he steps on the field, he has a good command of the offense, he throws the ball well, he is always ready, so it is a good opportunity for him.”

The Bombers held a closed practice Wednesday, but according to the official injury report, offensive lineman Jermarcus Hadrick was a complete participant after missing his last three games with a hip injury. Running back Andrew Harris did not practice as he continues to recover from a knee problem.

8:01RAW: Interview with Zach Collaros from Blue Bombers – October 15