Dickenson understands Collaros’s drive to get back in

Pivot has sustained recent head injuries, writes

WINNIPEG Dave Dickenson understands what it’s like to be a quarterback who is fighting for his career in the face of a series of concussions.

Go back and read anything about the Calgary Stampeders head coach’s retirement, and the concussions he dealt with late in his career are discussed.

So when Dickenson was asked about Winnipeg Blue Bombers quarterback Zach Collaros and the fact he’s playing against the Stamps on Friday night despite a series of tough head injuries, he’s got a unique perspective.

“Listen, all of us want to keep playing and playing and playing,” Dickenson said. “Sometimes, the outside world says you should probably stop, but he’s a man and he gets to decide how he’s feeling and his opportunities are in front of him.

“I know he’s got a few things racing through his brain. When I was coming off injury, sometimes I’d say, well, it’s not like your looking forward to the first hit, but you want to get hit and feel good after you get hit.”

There’s well-founded concern within the Canadian football community about Collaros. He’s had at least three concussions in recent years, and there is so much research into brain injuries for most observers not to worry about the Bombers QB.

Dickenson is in no way surprised his team will be facing off against the veteran QB on Friday.

“I knew when they traded for Zach, we would see Zach,” Dickenson said. “I don’t know if (Bombers head coach Mike O’shea) will admit that and he has final say, so he could prove me wrong, but you just don’t trade for a guy with that much experience and not play him before the playoffs.”

UNIQUE STRATEGY

Reggie Begelton did a number on the Bombers last weekend.

The Stamps receiver had three touchdown receptions and earned a CFL Performer of the Week nod for his efforts. Clearly, containing Begelton is going to be a point of emphasis for the Bombers.

Bombers head coach Mike O’shea smiled when he was asked what Winnipeg was planning.

“We’re going to quadruple cover him,” O’shea joked. “We’ll drop some guys to one side and work on him and hopefully Eric Rogers doesn’t catch any balls.”