Regina Bombers prepare for preseason test – Winnipeg Free Press

Mike O'Shea has never dealt with hypotheticals.

The head coach of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers prefers to deal with absolutes.

So when the topic of Monday's preseason game against the Saskatchewan Roadriders in Regina came up this week, O'Shea wasn't ready to suggest that there are advantages to some early action when it comes to the evaluation process.

“I do not know. If you were to put me on a calendar and ask me to specify the dates that I want everything to be perfect, I don't know if I could do that right now,” O'Shea said. “There's a schedule, let's work with it and do the best we can.”

Winnipeg vs. Saskatchewan is scheduled for 3 p.m. at Mosaic Stadium. The game will not be televised but is available on CFL+, the league's streaming service.

The Blue Bombers haven't had a preseason game this early in the regular season since 2016.

O'Shea said his vision for the first of two preseason tilts was still being worked out, although he expected around 80 players to make the trip.

The ultimate goal is to make sure his team is ready for Week 1 of the regular season, and the extended stretch between preseason games (the finale is May 31 against the Calgary Stampeders) will give him enough time to tighten some things up. .

Does that mean O'Shea could go with a veteran-laden lineup on Monday, or will he give the inexperienced guys a chance to show what they can do?

“It's probably easier for a veteran player, they know what to expect,” O'Shea said.

“I think they're probably less tired in training camp, especially mentally. They already know the playbook, so they're not mentally exhausted trying to learn it all. So now our job is to get these young guys back in shape and get them up and running in the first game. It would be easier for vets, of course. That doesn't mean they will play. I don't know yet.”

“I want to see what their potential is, not put them in the toughest spot and see who comes out.”– Head Coach Mike O'Shea

It seems to be a conundrum for all coaches to solve at this point in the season.

On the one hand, O'Shea wants to see how quickly the newcomers adjust to the CFL game, but it's too early to see if some of them are ready to sink or swim.

“Yes. But we still want them to be successful. “We don't want to just leave them out there and see which one survives,” O'Shea said.

“We want to put them all in a position where they can thrive, right? Because you want to see them at their best right now. I want to see what their potential is, not put them in the toughest spot and see who comes out. You get one guy who answers the question correctly.

“Let's ask them easy questions and see what they can do. Make them comfortable. I think our job is not to try to destroy everything at the beginning. Our job is to put them all in good spots and see what they can do and then figure out where they fit in.”

Given that the Blue Bombers have openings at several positions, there is room for position contenders on the depth chart to shine.

For veterans, this is an opportunity to shake off the rust and take extra steps to get back up to game speed.

“We're ahead of everyone else, it's an advantage and it breaks up camp a little bit, which is good,” defensive end Evan Holm said.

“You beat somebody else. It's nice to see everybody (in the game) and then we get a nice break and really look at the second preseason game film, which makes a big difference for some guys.

“I'm always trying to push the envelope and (offensive coordinator) Buck (Pierce) is, so we'll see what we have.”– Starting QB Zach Collaros

Winnipeg starting quarterback Zach Collaros was not told if he would be fit for Monday.

“Whatever the boss says. I'll be ready to go,” Collaros said.

“With the whole camp, you want to pay attention to the details of everything because you go back to square one and reset things. It's learning everything again. For me personally, it's just trying to clean up the things you want to improve on from the preseason and the seasons before.

Collaros is excited about some of the wrinkles the offense is opening up, and he's watching the scrimmages in training camp.

“We've got a lot of young guys competing at receiver right now, so it's going to be interesting to see how it turns out,” Collaros said.

“I'm always trying to push the envelope and (offensive coordinator) Buck (Pierce) is, so we'll see what we have.”

The thing to watch for Monday is how many players choose to wear the Guardian cap, which is mandatory during training camp but becomes optional once games begin.

“Honestly, I don't see why you don't wear it in the preseason. Why do you get concussions in the preseason?' – he asked rhetorically.

“You've got a lot of young guys trying to prove themselves in pre-season and they're going to bring it.

“I haven't made my decision yet. During the season, I think I'll just wear (a) regular helmet. But in the preseason, if I can avoid the injury, the concussion, I don't see why I wouldn't do it.”

Other players seem to want some information before committing to wearing one in a regular season game.

“If they oblige, of course. But I probably won't do it,” Collaros said. “I have no positive or negative opinion. I think in five years he will have the mandate.”

Demski is making progress

Nick Demski still hasn't been on the mats during training camp, but the receiver has been running around the south end zone for some time to help with conditioning. This is a small but important step in the process of getting back on the field and becoming a full participant.

“He's getting closer all the time,” said O'Shea, who noted he's not concerned about Demski's absence or Brady Oliviera's escape. “No. They know what they are doing. Both are very good.”

Receiver Dalton Schoen missed the second straight day, and offensive lineman Tui Ely was on the field but was not an active participant outside of mental reps.

Defensive back Noah Hallett, who missed last season with a knee injury, was placed on the six-game injured list earlier this week and O'Shea offered a brief update on his status.

“We've put it at six games, but we'll see,” O'Shea said. “Maybe even shorter.”

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