The Canadian Press
HAMILTON — The Tiger-Cats could have their star pivot back in the lineup when they host the Edmonton Eskimos this week.
Zach Collaros, who has been on the sidelines since suffering a concussion in Week 15 against the Stampeders, took part in first team reps at practice on Monday.
Head coach Kent Austin told Ticats.ca that Collaros is currently in the third stage of concussion protocol and is waiting for medical staff to reevaluate the quarterback before giving him the all-clear to slot back into the lineup. Hamilton’s bench boss is hopeful his franchise quarterback will be ready to return on Friday.
“Zach will play,” Austin said when asked who will start on Friday if Collaros passes protocol.
As for the quarterback himself, he said that along with the concussion, he was experiencing another nagging issue that was causing some pain over the last few weeks but said that has since gone away.
“I feel good,” the 28-year-old said after practicing on Monday. “Today was another step in the right direction pertaining to the protocol. We’ll see how I feel over the next 24 hours and we’ll make a decision from there.”
Hamilton is chasing the Ottawa REDBLACKS for first place in the East Division when the Eskimos come to town this week in the first of their final two games of the regular season.
-With files from Ticats.ca
