Adam Gagnon
Jacob Dearlove | Ticats.ca
HAMILTON — Tiger-Cats quarterback Zach Collaros will soon be able to cast his crutches aside and begin walking again.
After suffering a tear to his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in a game against the Edmonton Eskimos on Sept. 19, Collaros spent just shy of a month awaiting surgery; and since the surgery he’s spent another month making his way around Tim Hortons Field on crutches.
“We’ve been doing all the rehab necessary for the ACL,” said Collaros, “I just can’t walk right now.”
Once he resumes walking, Collaros will be able to continue to move forward with his rehab process, most of which will take place north of the border.
Rather than returning to his hometown of Steubenville, Ohio, the international quarterback has decided to complete the rehabilitation process in his Canadian hometown, Hamilton.
When asked about a timeline for a return and whether he’d be physically ready for next year’s training camp, Collaros was optimistic but realistic with his response.
“I’m not sure of a timeline to be honest with you,” he explained. “I’d like to be back as soon as possible, [but] at the same time, I’m not going to rush it and get hurt again.”
Despite the lack of a definitive timeline for the quarterback’s return to the field, his coach also expressed hopefulness around his recovery, alluding to Collaros’ drive and dedication as reasons for optimism.
“Knowing Zach the way I do, I’d say that the probabilities for that (being recovered in time for training camp) happening with him are probably greater with him than for most players,” Austin expressed.
“That being said, we’re going to be smart and we’re going to go according to the people that are most knowledgeable,” he continued. “He’s a valuable asset for us and we’re not going to push him back too early.”
As for Collaros, he was in high spirits when talking about getting rid of the crutches that he’s relied upon for the last month. And in spite of the imminent changeover in the locker room, the Ticats offensive leader remained confident in the team’s outlook moving forward.
“I’m happy I’m not a free agent,” said Collaros. “We want to have everybody back, but that’s up to those guys and management, so that will take care of itself.”
