of Winnipeg Blue Bombers will field a very inexperienced roster for the final pre-season tune-up on Friday against the BC Lions at Princess Auto Stadium.
The Bombers are sitting most of their starters including quarterback Zach Collaros. The Lions, meanwhile, are bringing their starting offense with Nathan Rourke at quarterback.
Among those who will only watch from the sidelines for the Bombers are Brady Oliveira, Nic Demski, Tim White, Ontaria Wilson, Willie Jefferson, Jake Ceresna and Deatrick Nichols.
Only three starters from last season on offense are listed, with offensive linemen Gabe Wallace and Kendall Randolph and receiver Joey Corcoran set to play. Veteran kicker Sergio Castillo will play on special teams.
None of their regular starters will play defense. Warren Burrell and Major Williams are listed on the depth chart at cornerback as they battle for the vacancy, but the rest of the defense is mostly starters with the likes of Jaiden Woodbey, Cam Allen, Nick Hallett and Jake Kelly.
The head coach didn’t see a reason to dress most of his veterans.
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“Training camp has been tough,” coach Mike O’Shea told reporters Thursday. “We try to work them extremely hard and get them ready for the season and part of that is making sure they’re properly rested before the first game.
“Some guys are in a battle, and they’re not really going to get the amount of rest that other guys are going to get. But we’re still trying to get answers and you’re trying to prepare for that week’s contest as well.”
With Collaros resting, only two quarterbacks will suit up for the blue and gold in Taylor Elgersma and Bryce Perkins. They are both competing for the backup job to be the first on the bench behind Collaro.
Elgersma completed six of his 13 passes for 78 yards in their first preseason game, but he also threw two interceptions. For the rookie QB, it’s all about getting better with each game.
“For me, it’s all about growth,” Elgersma said. “I’ve always had a lot of confidence in how I can go out there and perform, but it’s all about what I can do to get better. And I think my biggest takeaway like I said, like finding those areas that I can improve, finding those areas that I can help our offense hold the drives better.
“Let our guys go make those plays for me and put them in position. I think your job as a quarterback is to be the point guard, get the ball to your guys and let them do the rest.”
The Bombers wrap up their pre-season program starting at 7.30pm on Friday at Princess Auto Stadium before the final cuts are made at the weekend.
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