Winnipeg Blue Bombers quarterback Dru Brown suddenly found himself in the spotlight Wednesday when franchise quarterback Zach Collaros missed practice with an apparent leg injury. “You never want to have to answer questions like this, but it is what it is. I just prepare to play and if it happens, it happens. I wish no harm to anyone but get ready to play. As for questions about Zach, feel free to ask [head coach Mike O’Shea] or Jacques himself,” he told the media on Wednesday. “You get ready to play, but I don’t make the decisions about who starts or what doesn’t.” The 25-year-old wasn’t told he would get first-team reps in practice until the team arrived at the facility on Wednesday. He said he saw Collaros move well despite the injury suffered late in the West Final, but declined to say whether he thinks the veteran quarterback will start in the Gray Cup. Brown started one game during the regular season, which came after the Blue Bombers had already secured first place in the West Division. He threw for 325 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions in a 40-32 loss to the BC Lions and expressed frustration with his performance after the game as both of his picks were returned for touchdowns. He suggested he’s “as comfortable as you can get” in Winnipeg’s offense, though he has yet to attempt just 64 career passes in the CFL. The possibility of him starting Sunday has drawn comparisons to the 2007 Gray Cup, where Ryan Dinwiddie made his first career start after an injury to Kevin Glenn. Coincidentally, Dinwiddie is now the coach of the Toronto Argonauts. Brown doesn’t plan to change the way he prepares this week, regardless of whether or not he starts on Sunday. He also spoke highly of the toughness Collaros has shown throughout their time together in Winnipeg. “You deal with it the same. If you treat it differently, then you’re probably playing in a different position,” he said. “If there’s one thing about Zack it’s that he’s extremely competitive and he’s tough. I’m sure if you ask Zach, it’s kind of “it is what it is,” but I haven’t had much time to think about his feelings about it. I know from what I’ve seen of one of our room leaders is that he’s going to take it head on like he does everything else.” Kolaros spoke to the media after Sunday’s West Final and emphasized that he will play in the CFL championship game, saying it’s “not even an issue.” Coach Mike O’Shea also indicated that he was not worried about the health of his star. The 109th Gray Cup is scheduled for Sunday, November 20 at 6:00 p.m. EST.
