O’Shea Resting Key Starters as Bombers Gear Up for Playoffs

WINNIPEG – In a strategic move ahead of the playoffs, Mike O’Shea, head coach of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, has decided to rest several key starters for the final regular-season game against the Montreal Alouettes on October 28, 2025. O’Shea’s decision reflects lessons learned from past experiences, emphasizing the importance of entering the postseason fresh and healthy.

“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 following the team’s practice on Friday. He underscored the belief that being healthy and rested is critical to success during the playoffs.

Among those sitting out are quarterback Zach Collaros, running back Brady Oliveira, offensive tackle Stanley Bryant, and receiver Ontaria Wilson. The defensive lineup will also see significant changes, with rush ends Willie Jefferson and James Vaughters, dime back Redha Kramdi, and defensive back/kick returner Trey Vaval resting for the game.

Both teams have already secured playoff berths, but their seeding will be influenced by this weekend’s Canadian Football League (CFL) matches. The Alouettes and Hamilton Tiger-Cats currently share a 10-7 record, with the Ticats aiming for first place in the East Division against the Ottawa Redblacks. Meanwhile, the Bombers, holding a 9-8 record, could finish anywhere from third to fourth in the tightly contested West Division. A fourth-place finish would mark a first for the franchise, forcing them to cross over to the East semifinal.

O’Shea expressed confidence that the absence of key players would not lead to rustiness ahead of their first road playoff game since 2019. “It’s some reps for a lot of guys, too, who could end up helping us,” he added.

Stepping into the starting quarterback role will be Chris Streveler. In a previous game, Streveler struggled with his passing, completing only three of eight attempts for 54 yards and one interception, despite contributing 72 rushing yards and a touchdown in a narrow win over the Redblacks. When asked if he felt motivated to improve his passing performance, Streveler said, “We won the game. There’s always plays you want back, but it’s never going to be perfect. You just want to go out there and put your best foot forward.”

The Bombers’ recent victory was notably supported by Vaval, who set a franchise record with a 128-yard missed field goal return for a touchdown. With Vaval resting, Peyton Logan will step in, marking his third game of the season and his first since late August. Logan, who was injured for the first nine games, expressed his eagerness to perform well. “I just hope I do as good as Trey,” he said, acknowledging Vaval’s impressive season.

As for the Alouettes, they are riding a five-game win streak and will utilize their regular starters. Head coach Jason Maas indicated that some decisions regarding player participation could be made closer to game time but are not contingent on the outcome of the Hamilton game. He mentioned that quarterback Davis Alexander, who boasts an impressive 11-0 record as a starter, might see his playing time adjusted based on the circumstances.

The matchup will take place at Princess Auto Stadium, where a sellout crowd of 32,343 fans is expected. This marks a historic achievement for the Bombers, with every regular-season game sold out, a feat last accomplished by the Alouettes at Percival Memorial Stadium between 2000-2010.

As the Bombers prepare for the playoffs, O’Shea’s strategy appears to focus on maintaining player health and readiness, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting postseason.