Winnipeg Blue Bombers’ quarterback Chris Streveler tore three of the four major ligaments in his left knee during this weekend’s Banjo Bowl, he revealed in a post on social media.
The injury occurred late in the third quarter on a low hit from Saskatchewan Roughriders’ defensive tackle Miles Brown, which was flagged for roughing the passer.
“Thank you to everyone who has reached out over the last couple days, especially my teammates who have shared the battlefield with me over the years. All of your support means more than you could imagine,” Streveler wrote.
“Although this will be a long road to recovery, this isn’t the end of my journey. I will attack this rehab with the same relentless work ethic and positive attitude that I bring day in and day out! See y’all back out on the field soon.”
Brown immediately penetrated Winnipeg’s offensive line during the play on which the injury occurred and either lost his footing or was knocked over as he approached Streveler, who was dropping back for a surprise pass on second-and-two.
The dual-threat quarterback was incensed after the play and began screaming at Brown across the line of scrimmage while hopping on his uninjured right leg. Backup offensive lineman Micah Vanterpool was flagged for objectionable conduct after the play, presumably for yelling at Brown or his teammates.
Running back Brady Oliveira said postgame that he didn’t believe the hit was dirty, saying it was “probably hard (for Brown) to try and avoid” hitting Streveler. Veteran offensive lineman Patrick Neufeld, who has played against Brown many times since 2022, told 3DownNation that he’s not a dirty player.
The hit came one game after Brown was fined for his headshot on Zach Collaros in the Labour Day Classic. Collaros didn’t return after sustaining the hit in Regina, though head coach Mike O’Shea indicated he was held out for “precautionary” reasons. He started for the Blue Bombers the following week in the Banjo Bowl.
Streveler has completed 31-of-52 pass attempts for 343 yards, one touchdown, and one interception this season, going 1-0 as a starter. He has also carried the ball 87 times for 272 yards and 10 touchdowns.
The six-foot-one, 216-pound native of Crystal Lake, Il. rejoined Winnipeg this past off-season following a four-year run in the NFL as a member of the Arizona Cardinals, Baltimore Ravens, Miami Dolphins, and New York Jets. He has thrown for 3,041 yards, 20 touchdowns, and 20 interceptions over 46 career CFL game and ran the ball 291 times for 1,439 yards and 32 touchdowns.
The Blue Bombers (7-6) are currently on a bye week. When they return, they will visit the Edmonton Elks (5-8) on Saturday, Sept. 21 at 7:00 p.m. EDT.
