COLLAROS SIDELINED AS RIDERS FALL IN OTTAWA
Starter undergoes concussion protocol, as Bridge struggles in backup role
REDBLACKS 40, ROUGHRIDERS 17
MURRAY McCORMICK
It took fewer than two games for the Saskatchewan Roughriders to turn to their backup plan at quarterback.
Zach Collaros started Thursday’s game against the Ottawa Redblacks, but was on the sideline in the second quarter. TSN reported that Collaros was undergoing concussion protocol and the Riders later indicated that the veteran quarterback wouldn’t return.
With Collaros unavailable, the Riders turned to Brandon Bridge, but it wasn’t nearly enough as the Riders were thumped 40-17 by the Redblacks.
Saskatchewan’s record dropped to 1-1 while the Redblacks opened their regular season with a victory. The Riders’ next game is June 30 when they play host to the Montreal Alouettes.
The Riders had mixed results even when Collaros was at quarterback. He completed four of 10 passes for 106 yards and touchdown, but was also intercepted twice — with one pick being returned 55 yards for a major by Jonathan Rose.
Collaros didn’t return to the game after being intercepted by Loucheiz Purifoy in the end zone.
Bridge didn’t fare much better, creating concerns about the quarterbacking if Collaros is sidelined for an indefinite period.
Bridge did generate some offence with his legs, but wasn’t able to generate a sustained passing attack.
He completed 12 of 20 passes for 125 yards, with one interception.
Saskatchewan’s offensive line didn’t provide much protection for either quarterback. Collaros was under pressure for most of his time at quarterback and was sacked once. Bridge also absorbed a big hit when Avery Ellis sacked him late in the second quarter.
The injury to Collaros leaves the Riders with Bridge and rookie David Watford as the only two quarterbacks on the roster. The team would have to find a third quarterback to fill in if Collaros is sidelined for any length of time.
The performance of the quarterbacks overshadowed Duron Carter’s showing in his second start at cornerback with the Riders. Carter intercepted a Trevor Harris pass and returned it 28 yards for a touchdown. In 2017, Carter returned a pick 43 yards for a score against the Calgary Stampeders in his first start at cornerback.
However, Ottawa’s Diontae Spencer beat Carter for a 55-yard touchdown catch. In the fourth quarter, Carter was also assessed two pass-interference penalties that kept an Ottawa scoring drive alive.
Trevor Harris eventually found William Powell open for a fouryard touchdown pass at 6:40 of the fourth quarter.
On the Redblacks’ opening possession, Harris engineered a 12play, 53-yard drive that was capped by a 26-yard field goal by Lewis Ward at 5:18 of the first quarter.
The Redblacks settled for another field goal on their next possession after the Riders went twoand-out. Ward split the uprights with a 23-yard field goal and Ottawa led 6-0 at 9:45 of the opening period.
The Riders got on the scoreboard after Collaros hit Jordan WilliamsLambert on a 32-yard touchdown pass at 14:28 of the first quarter. Brett Lauther’s successful convert gave the Riders a 7-6 lead.
Ottawa regained the lead at 1:24 of the second quarter when Rose registered the pick-six. The Redblacks added a two-point conversion to go ahead 14-7.
Carter scored the Riders’ next touchdown (and their final one of the night) when he stepped in front a pass intended for Spencer. Carter returned the interception 28 yards for the touchdown. The Riders trailed 14-13 at 4:31 of the second quarter after Lauther’s convert.
Ottawa bounced back on its next drive, which was capped by a 15-yard touchdown run by Powell. Greg Ellingson hauled in the two-point conversion and the Redblacks led 22-14 at 9:01 of the second quarter.
The Redblacks extended their lead to 25-14 at 13:36 of the second quarter when Ward connected on a 44-yard field goal.
Ottawa scored at 7:43 of the third quarter when Spencer slipped behind Carter for the 55-yarder. Harris scored on the two-point conversion and Ottawa led 33-14.
Lauther reduced Ottawa’s lead to 33-17 2:19 of the fourth quarter with a 35-yard field goal. Powell’s touchdown, converted by Ward, then concluded the scoring.
Bridge didn’t fare much better, creating concerns ... if Collaros is sidelined for an indefinite period.