Zach Collaros' chances of suiting up for the East final appear to be slim.
The Winnipeg Blue Bombers quarterback was a spectator at practice Thursday, wearing street clothes after being listed as a limited participant during closed practice the day before.
He is listed as questionable to play for Saturday's East final against the Montreal Alouettes, the team announced.
If Collaros can't go, it would put Dru Brown in line to start against the Alouettes. Brown took first-team reps during Thursday's practice while Collaros watched from the sidelines.
When asked about the chances of Collaros suiting up Saturday, head coach Mike O'Shea would not provide any update saying that the team will make its decision when the depth chart is released Friday.
"Once again, I don't see any point in talking about the roster before we have to," O'Shea said.
Collaros missed Winnipeg's East semifinal victory over the Toronto Argonauts after suffering a rib injury against the B.C. Lions in Week 21. He was limited in practice leading up to that game and was officially listed as questionable before being ruled out.
Brown stepped into the starting role and helped guide the Blue Bombers to a dramatic 25-22 victory, completing 18-of-30 passes for 206 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions. His biggest moment came with less than a minute remaining in the fourth quarter, when he connected with Nic Demski for the game-winning touchdown.
Brown acknowledged that Collaros' status remains uncertain but said his approach throughout the week has not changed.
Brown made six starts during the regular season, finishing with a 2-4 record. He completed 69.9 per cent of his passes for 1,687 yards, 10 touchdowns and seven interceptions.
Collaros, meanwhile, went 7-5 as Winnipeg's starter, completing 70.4 per cent of his passes for 2,989 yards, 15 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. He also added 76 rushing yards on 12 attempts.
