By The Canadian Press

Dru Brown to start at QB for Redblacks against struggling Blue Bombers

Sep 19, 2025 | 1:59 PM

OTTAWA — Dru Brown will be back under centre Saturday.

The Ottawa Redblacks starting quarterback is set to get the call when his teams hosts the struggling Winnipeg Blue Bombers at TD Place.

Ottawa (4-9) is trying to regain momentum after back-to-back defeats, while Winnipeg (6-7) will look to get back on track following three straight losses minus No. 1 pivot Zach Collaros — a rare dip in form for a team that has been one of the CFL’s most consistent performers in recent years.

Brown hasn’t played since injuring his knee against the Blue Bombers on Aug. 14 in Winnipeg when Ottawa fell 30-27.

“I think you’ve seen enough and played enough that you’re able to come back in fluidly,” Brown said. “I don’t necessarily view it as, like, it’s going to take me a little bit of time.”

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The 28-year-old has seen limited action this season due to previous injuries, going 152-for-209 for 1,842 yards, 12 touchdowns and five interceptions through seven starts.

Redblacks head coach Bob Dyce said Brown’s teammates will need to support him to ensure success.

With the playoffs not out of the question, Dyce added the message at the start of the week was clear despite a tough road ahead.

Ottawa’s start will be key, having managed just four points across its last seven opening quarters. The Redblacks have been forced to chase games far too often this season, and would benefit greatly from playing with a lead.

“We’ve obviously seen what we can do when we’re playing complimentary football and executing,” said Brown, who spent his first three CFL seasons with the Blue Bombers. “We have belief that if we’re able to do that, we can beat anybody. And we’ve got to limit the self-inflicted mistakes.”

The Blue Bombers, who are in unfamiliar territory sitting below .500 after last week’s 32-21 loss in Hamilton to the Tiger-Cats, will be desperate to turn the tide. Winnipeg has lost seven of its last 10 games.

With Collaros still sidelined with a head injury, Chris Streveler will once again get the start at QB.

Streveler threw two interceptions last week leading to two Hamilton touchdowns, and now has 10 interceptions on the season. Ottawa will want to force him into mistakes, but also needs to be aware of his ability to run the ball.

“We’ve got to make sure that we’re disciplined in our pass rush to keep him in the pocket and contained,” Dyce said. “He adds another threat when you’re just talking about their run game … you have to account for a big, physical guy like that.”

Ottawa’s defence, meanwhile, didn’t like its outing last week against the B.C. Lions and is anxious for another chance after falling 38-27.

“We just want to get back to what we know,” Redblacks linebacker Jovan Santos-Knox said. “Back to our foundation of stopping the run, not letting up explosives and taking the ball away.”

Ottawa will be without veteran punter Richie Leone after the death of his mother, while running back William Stanback and right tackle Parker Moorer also won’t be available. Returner Devonte Dedmon, however, is back in the lineup.

The Bombers placed Nick Hallett and Michael Griffin II on the one-game injured list, but will have fellow defensive back Jamal Parker in the lineup after a six-game absence.

BLUE BOMBERS (6-7) AT REDBLACKS (4-9)

SLOW STARTS: The Redblacks have a minus-87 point differential in the first half this season, and minus-65 mark in the first quarter alone.

STOP DEMSKI: Nic Demski comes into the game riding an 84-game reception streak. He needs just one to reach the No. 5 spot all-time among Blue Bombers’ receivers.

DEPENDABLE OPTION: Ottawa’s Eugene Lewis has at least one reception in every game in 2025 and in each of his last 22 games. Lewis is the CFL’s leading active receiver with 7,003 yards.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 19, 2025.

Lisa Wallace, The Canadian Press