The Winnipeg Blue Bombers will have veteran offensive lineman Patrick Neufeld back in the starting lineup for the Banjo Bowl on Saturday against the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
The six-foot-six, 311-pound blocker has missed the team’s past four games due to a knee injury with Kendall Randolph and Tui Eli taking over his spot at right guard. The 35-year-old native of Regina, Sask. native has played 161 career CFL regular season games and was named a CFL all-star in each of the past three seasons.
Winnipeg will remain without the services of franchise left tackle Stanley Bryant, who has been moved from the six-game injured list to the one-game injured list. Randolph, a rookie out of the University of Alabama, will make his second straight start at left tackle this week after allowing zero sacks during the Labour Day Classic.
The Blue Bombers have also moved veteran linebacker Adam Bighill to the six-game injured list after his knee was hurt late in last week’s game. He was seen on crutches in the locker room after the win and didn’t practice this week and will be replaced on Saturday by longtime backup Shayne Gauthier.
Zach Collaros will start for the Blue Bombers on Saturday despite taking a headshot in the Labour Day Classic and missing the second half, a decision head coach Mike O’Shea called “precautionary.” He threw for 218 yards, one touchdown, and one interception in the 35-33 victory in a little under one half of work.
Rookie defensive back Marquise Bridges has been promoted to the active roster in a depth role, while Canadian defensive lineman Owen Hubert has been moved to the practice roster. Rookie fullback Michael Chris-Ike has also been moved to the practice roster after completing a stint on the six-game injured list.
Winnipeg has won the past four Banjo Bowls by a combined score of 173-45 and holds an all-time lead of 12-7 in the annual rivalry game. The season series between the Blue Bombers and Roughriders is up for grabs this week, though it’s unlikely to come into play in the West Division standings as Saskatchewan has an odd number of points due to their tie against Ottawa from Week 10.
The Winnipeg Blue Bombers (6-6) will host the Saskatchewan Roughriders (5-6-1) on Saturday, Sept. 7 with kickoff slated for 3:00 p.m. EDT.
