Bombers Coach O’Shea Resting Starters Ahead of Playoffs

UPDATE: Winnipeg Blue Bombers head coach Mike O’Shea is making a bold move by resting key starters for the crucial final regular-season game against the Montreal Alouettes this Saturday, October 28, 2025. With playoffs on the horizon, O’Shea is prioritizing player health and freshness over the immediate outcome of the game.

“Years ago, I think I made a mistake and didn’t enter a playoff game as fresh as we could have been,” O’Shea stated after the team’s practice. The Bombers are set to face the Alouettes at Princess Auto Stadium, where a record crowd of 32,343 fans is expected. The stakes are high, and the atmosphere will be electric.

Key players sitting out include quarterback Zach Collaros, running back Brady Oliveira, offensive tackle Stanley Bryant, and receiver Ontaria Wilson. The defensive lineup will also miss rush ends Willie Jefferson and James Vaughters, along with dime back Redha Kramdi and return specialist Trey Vaval.

Both the Bombers and the Alouettes have already secured playoff spots, but their seeding is still up for grabs. The Alouettes and the Hamilton Tiger-Cats currently share identical 10-7 records, while Winnipeg sits at 9-8. The outcome of this weekend’s games will determine playoff positions, with potential crossover implications for Winnipeg.

O’Shea emphasized that resting players is a strategic choice to ensure peak performance in the playoffs. “It’s some reps for a lot of guys, too, who could end up helping us,” he remarked. Chris Streveler will step in as the starting quarterback, following a previous performance that left much to be desired.

Streveler is eager to improve after completing only three of eight passes for 54 yards with one interception in his last start against the Ottawa Redblacks. “We won the game, but I didn’t play my best game. I work hard to be my best,” Streveler said. His determination to elevate his performance adds an intriguing layer to this pivotal matchup.

With Trey Vaval unavailable, Peyton Logan will take the field, aiming to make an impact in his first game since August. Logan, who was injured earlier in the season, hopes to replicate Vaval’s success, who leads the league in punt-return yards. Vaval’s absence will be felt, but the Bombers are optimistic about their depth.

The Alouettes come into the game riding a five-game winning streak and are determined to maintain their momentum. Alouettes head coach Jason Maas stated there will be game-time decisions regarding player participation, but his focus remains on securing a win, irrespective of other results.

The tension is palpable as both teams prepare for this high-stakes encounter, with playoff implications hanging in the balance. As the Bombers aim to avoid past mistakes, fans are gearing up for a thrilling showdown that promises to be a defining moment of the season.

Stay tuned for live updates as the situation develops and the kickoff approaches!