The Winnipeg Blue Bombers won’t have reigning Most Outstanding Player Zach Collaros or a number of impactful starters in the lineup when they take on the Saskatchewan Roughriders in the preseason finale on Friday.
Though the Bombers are the only CFL team not to release preseason depth charts, the team’s veteran starting quarterback does not appear on the club’s game-day roster. Instead, the reins will likely be passed to backup Dru Brown to wrap up the exhibition schedule.
Brown is entering his third season in the CFL and has completed 40-of-64 career passes for 501 yards, five touchdowns, and two interceptions. The 26-year-old made his first career start in Week 19 of last season, going 28-of-39 for 325 yards, three touchdowns, and two interceptions in a loss to the B.C. Lions.
The Oklahoma State product will be backed up by newcomers Tyrell Pigrome and Josh Jones, both of whom are expected to see time. Pigrome completed two passes for 43 yards and rushed for 71 more on five carries in a dazzling performance a week ago.
Among the projected starters missing from Winnipeg’s game-day roster are running back Brady Oliveira; receivers Kenny Lawler, Dalton Schoen, and Nic Demski; offensive linemen Stanley Bryant, Chris Kolankowski, Patrick Neufeld and Jermarcus Hardrick; defensive lineman Jackson Jeffcoat; linebacker Adam Bighill; defensive backs Winston Rose, Deatrick Nichols, and Alden Darby; and returner Janarion Grant.
The Bombers are scheduled to host the Riders at IG Field in Winnipeg at 8:30 p.m. EDT on Friday, June 2.
