Roughriders Edge Bombers as Collaros Exits with Injury
The Banjo Bowl always carries extra weight in the CFL season, and this year’s matchup between the Saskatchewan Roughriders and the Winnipeg Blue Bombers was no exception. But the story of the night wasn’t just about the final score — it was about a moment that left fans holding their breath.
In the third quarter, Winnipeg quarterback Zach Collaros, a two-time CFL Most Outstanding Player, was knocked out of the game after a high hit from Riders defensive back C.J. Reavis. The hit came on a blitz off the edge, forcing a strip sack. Collaros lay motionless for a few tense moments before making his way off the field under his own power. The play was later ruled roughing the passer after a Blue Bombers challenge, erasing what would have been a costly turnover. Still, the damage was done — not just to the game plan, but to Winnipeg’s morale.
At 37 years old, Collaros remains the heart of this Bombers team, and his departure shifted the tone instantly. Before leaving, he had completed 9 of 15 passes for 165 yards, with a touchdown but also two interceptions. His replacement, Chris Streveler, was thrown into the fire, finishing with 39 yards and two interceptions of his own. Winnipeg’s offence never fully recovered.
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Saskatchewan, on the other hand, made the most of its opportunities. Quarterback Trevor Harris didn’t light up the stat sheet, but he did enough to guide his team down the stretch. The Riders clawed their way back after trailing 13-3 late in the first half, holding Winnipeg scoreless for the final 33 minutes of play. A key drive in the fourth quarter, sparked by a long completion to Joe Robustelli from deep in their own territory, flipped the momentum completely. The Roughriders tacked on field goals, sealed the game late with an interception, and walked away with a 21-13 win.
For Winnipeg, the loss was more than just a mark in the standings. It dropped them to 6-6, a far cry from the dominance fans have come to expect in recent years. The Bombers have now blown multiple double-digit leads in recent weeks, with turnovers and penalties proving costly. Against Saskatchewan, they finished with a -3 turnover differential, which directly led to 12 Rider points.
Head coach Mike O’Shea summed it up bluntly after the game: “It’s just not good enough in the end to have the score in our favour.” He admitted there was no immediate update on Collaros but emphasized his concern was more about the person than the player. Teammates echoed the same sentiment, with Streveler and others visibly shaken by seeing their leader go down.
On the flip side, Saskatchewan’s victory improved them to 10-2, strengthening their hold at the top of the West Division. For them, it was a statement win, ending Winnipeg’s five-game Banjo Bowl streak and showing resilience in a tough environment.
For the Bombers, questions remain. Can they protect the football? Can they finish games? And most importantly — will Zach Collaros be back soon? Those answers will shape not just the next few weeks, but the direction of their season.
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