Like a knight in shining armour, quarterback Zach Collaros is back as the Winnipeg Blue Bombers playoff hopes hang in the balance. Collaros practiced with the club on Thursday ahead of the team’s Saturday night game at home against the Calgary Stampeders. “He’s just got that sense about him,” Blue Bombers head coach Mike O’Shea told reporters Thursday. “You know, when guys are in the huddle with him, he gives them confidence.” Collaros was injured during the Bombers’ Banjo Bowl win over the Saskatchewan Roughriders and sat on the shelf in losses against the Toronto Argonauts and Montreal Alouettes. The 38-year-old pivot’s stint on the injured list was his second trip this season. He told reporters Thursday he’s ready to go this weekend. “When you’ve dealt with some of the things I’ve had to deal with, you don’t make a decision lightly,” Collaros said. “You know, I feel comfortable, very comfortable with the decision I’ve made to play this week that we have as an organization. And I wouldn’t be out there if I didn’t feel comfortable.” Collaros’ return under centre couldn’t have come at a better time for the Bombers. Defensive End Willie Jefferson said Saturday’s game isn’t quite do or die, but there’s little room for error. “This game has the magnitude of a playoff game,” Jefferson told reporters. “It’s a must-win game for us, right? That’s the mentality I’m taking – a must-win game.” The Bombers (7-8) trail both the Stamps (8-8) and Riders (8-7) in the CFL playoff race. The three teams are vying for the third seed in the West or the cross-over to the East. With a win this weekend, Winnipeg would take the season series from the Stamps and leapfrog Calgary in the standings. “You can’t really pay attention to the standings,” receiver Ontaria Wilson said. “You just got to go out there and handle your job. Like, you got to go out there and win.” The Bombers edged the Stampeders 30-28 back in week one thanks to a walk-off field goal from kicker Sergio Castillo. However, Calgary got their revenge in week eight in a lopsided 52-30 beatdown. “We need to do what we need to do to stay on the football field and score points,” Collaros said. “If that’s throwing the football a bunch, if it’s running the ball a bunch, you know, none of us care. We just want to win the football game.” Kickoff from Princess Auto Stadium goes at 6 p.m. Saturday.
