As we enter the final third of the CFL season, there is quarterback drama across the league.
With four teams sitting within two points of each other in the running for second or third place in the East, or a crossover playoff spot, the developments this week could have a huge impact on the post-season picture.
Let’s take a look at some of the QB hot spots.
Winnipeg Blue Bombers
Two-time CFL most outstanding player Zach Collaros suffered another head injury last week and will be replaced by Chris Streveler for Friday’s road game against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.
With Collaros, 37, having a history of head injuries, questions about his future figure to linger.
“I believe it’s his decision and only he can make that, and only he and his staff know what’s going on there,” Tiger-Cats coach Scott Milanovich told reporters this week.
Milanovich, who was Collaros’ head coach in Toronto when he broke into the league, said he remains friends with the QB and texts with him every few weeks.
“I would never force my opinions on something like (whether he should keep playing),” Milanovich said.
In the meantime, the middling Blue Bombers turn to another veteran in Streveler as they face an uphill battle to play in Winnipeg in what would be a sixth consecutive Grey Cup game for the franchise. If the Bombers aren’t careful, they’re going to drop down and be in a race with the four teams at the bottom for the final playoff spots.
Streveler is 2-0 as a starter this year and 7-8 for his career.
“He’s a natural leader, just the energy he brings on a daily basis to practice,” Blue Bombers coach Mike O’Shea said. “He’s proven he wins games for us when he’s in.”
Toronto Argonauts
2003 CFL MOP Chad Kelly last week posted a video of himself with the words ‘The Comeback’ and the date of Saturday’s game against the Edmonton Elks.
Turns out he might have got a bit ahead of himself.
The Argos announced earlier this week that Nick Arbuckle will remain the team’s starter for now after playing quite well in victories the past two weeks. Arbuckle leads the league in passing this season.
Kelly hasn’t played since breaking his leg in last year’s East final. Arbuckle replaced Kelly for that win and then led the Argos to the Grey Cup.
“I think maybe it’s going to be a week-to-week deal, I mean, Chad is our franchise quarterback, let’s not lose sight of that,” Argos coach Ryan Dinwiddie said this week. “The ball was live coming out of his hands (Tuesday), we just want to see him move a little bit cleaner … just be able to move around in the pocket.
“That’s one of his strengths, being able to create plays with his legs and I want to make sure he can do that while also at the same time be able to protect himself.”
Arbuckle, meanwhile, has the Argos on a bit of a roll.
“I think Nick Arbuckle is playing really, really good football,” Elks head coach Mark Kilam said this week. “I’ve said it every day this week, he’s an extension of Ryan Dinwiddie.”
Montreal Alouettes
It seemed the Alouettes might actually have a fifth different starting quarterback this year after James Morgan struggled last week in a loss to Hamilton.
But earlier this week, the Alouettes activated veteran McLeod Bethel-Thompson (elbow) off the injured list. He’s slated to start Saturday against the Saskatchewan Roughriders in Regina.
The problem is Bethel-Thompson hasn’t been particularly good this year (1-4 record as a starter, four touchdown passes, five interceptions, 957 passing yards, 65.4-per-cent completion rate). The Alouettes have lost five in a row overall.
Montreal is 1-7 without injured starter Davis Alexander (hamstring). There’s still no timeline for Alexander’s return. The Als desperately need him back.
Ottawa Redblacks
Dru Brown (knee) will be back on the sidelines as the third quarterback Friday in B.C. against the Lions, but the team clearly wants his health to improve before putting the starter back out there.
That means Dustin Crum is back after leading the Redblacks to a wild victory against the Lions last week in Ottawa.
The Redblacks and Argos (both 4-8) are tied for third in the East, but are currently outside playoff spots. That’s because the Elks and Lions (both 5-7) have better records than the third-place team in the East, and thus would cause a West crossover if the playoffs started today. Of course, that could all change this weekend with the Redblacks and Argos in position to reel in those West teams with victories.
At the top
The league-leading Roughriders can become the first team to clinch a 2025 playoff spot this weekend.
A win over Montreal would do the trick, as would three combinations of losses — Winnipeg and B.C., Winnipeg and Edmonton, or B.C. and Edmonton.
Tribute to Ted
The Ticats are holding a Team Ted Game on Friday to pay their respects to first-year general manager Ted Goveia, who was diagnosed with cancer before the season.
Goveia, a native of Burlington, Ont., has done it all in Canadian football. He’s coached at the university and pro levels, then cut his front-office teeth with Winnipeg before getting the top job in Hamilton.
The Goveia-assembled team has a two-game lead in the East.
“Maybe the funniest human being I’ve ever met,” said Milanovich, who had Goveia on his staff in the Toronto days. “We all love football, we’re putting in a lot of hours, but Teddy’s like next level (for his) love of football. He’ll sit down and just talk ball for hours. When I’m done with my work, I’m trying to go home and get some sleep. Teddy can go all night.
“The way he’s tried to battle this disease and continue to do his job as general manager, it’s been inspiring. He’s done a great job with the team.”
Week 15 schedule
Friday, Sept. 12: Winnipeg Blue Bombers (6-6) at Hamilton Tiger-Cats (7-5), 7 p.m. ET
Friday, Sept. 12: Ottawa Redblacks (4-8) at B.C. Lions (5-7), 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT
Saturday, Sept. 13: Edmonton Elks (5-7) at Toronto Argonauts (4-8), 3 p.m. ET
Saturday, Sept. 13: Montreal Alouettes (5-7) at Saskatchewan Roughriders (10-2), 7 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. CT
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