Zach Collaros exits Winnipeg Blue Bombers’ playoff-clinching victory with injury

Photo courtesy: Steven Chang/B.C. Lions

Franchise quarterback Zach Collaros exited the Winnipeg Blue Bombers’ Week 21 victory over the B.C. Lions on Friday night with an apparent upper-body injury.

The 38-year-old was sacked by defensive lineman Nathan Cherry late in the third quarter. The hit was flagged for roughing the passer.

Zach Collaros will not return to the game.
Here’s the hit from Nathan Cherry, that was penalized.
#Bombers https://t.co/E3EXRZm19H

— Darrin Bauming (@DarrinBauming) October 24, 2026

Collaros briefly received treatment from medical staff on the field before a stint in the injury tent. He returned to the sideline still wearing his gear, but did not return to the field.

“No update, but yeah, we weren’t gonna (put him back in),” head coach Mike O’Shea told the Canadian Press post-game. “We were ruling him out for the game.”

The veteran passer completed nine-of-21 pass attempts for 105 yards and one interception prior to leaving the game. He was replaced by Dru Brown, who completed all 11 of his pass attempts for 185 yards and two touchdowns. The Bombers scored 31 unanswered points after the quarterback change, winning the game 34-10 and clinching a spot in the CFL playoffs.

Collaros has missed six games this season with head or neck injuries, spending two short stints on the six-game injured list. The 38-year-old has completed 70.4 percent of his passes for 2,989 yards, 15 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. After returning from his last injury in Week 19, he indicated that he wants to continue playing next season.

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers (9-9) will play in one of the two divisional semi-finals on Saturday, October 31. Their opponent and destination will be determined by the result of the Week 21 game between Saskatchewan and Edmonton.