Winnipeg Blue Bombers vs Ottawa Redblacks: Dru Brown starts as Collaros sits out

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers will face the winless Ottawa Redblacks on Sunday, July 19, 2026, at TD Place in Ottawa. Quarterback Zach Collaros has been placed on the six‑game injured list because of a lingering neck injury, leaving the Bombers without their starter.

Dru Brown, acquired from Ottawa in a June trade, is expected to start for Winnipeg. Brown said, “I get a chance to go out there and have fun and fly around and do my best to compete.” He will be confronting his former teammates for the first time since the trade. Ottawa will start Jake Maier at quarterback; Maier has thrown for 1,372 yards with seven touchdowns and seven interceptions in five games.

The Redblacks also contend with several injuries: middle linebacker Nyles Morgan (hand fracture) and lineman Habakkuk Baldonado are on the six‑game injured list, while cornerback Adrian Frye is sidelined. Ottawa hopes to spark its run game, with running back Greg Bell carrying the ball after limited use earlier in the season.

The matchup pits a 3‑2 Bombers team against a 0‑5 Redblacks squad, with the outcome set to determine whether the Redblacks can secure their first win of the season.