Collaros 'extra dialed in' ahead of return as Bombers host East-leading Ticats Saturday

Brady Oliveira is looking forward to having a laser-focused Zach Collaros back on the field.

Collaros missed the Blue Bombers' past two games with a head injury, but the starting quarterback will take the reins when Winnipeg (7-7) hosts the Hamilton Tiger-Cats (9-5) on Saturday afternoon.

"He was just extra sharp and extra dialed in this week," Oliveira said of Collaros after the team's walk-through practice on Friday.

"He always is, he's a true pro, but there's something about this week in practice with him, just seeing him throw the ball down the field. It's a thing of beauty."

There was nothing about Winnipeg's offence last weekend that could be described as pretty, other than Oliveira's 20 carries for 100 yards.

Backup Chris Streveler was in for Collaros and he only completed three of eight pass attempts for 54 yards in a 26-18 victory over the Ottawa Redblacks.

Streveler also rushed 11 times for 72 yards and one touchdown, but it was the play of the defence and special teams that sparked the win.

Trey Vaval produced a franchise-record 128-yard touchdown off a missed field goal, kicker Sergio Castillo was good on all four of his field-goal tries and safety Cam Allen snagged two interceptions.

Collaros said he's excited to be back on the field, after he watched the past two games from the sidelines in Ottawa and the week prior in Hamilton, where the Ticats downed the Bombers 32-21.

A lot has been made of Streveler's performance last week, but Collaros said he's had games when he's only completed five or six passes. Different elements factor into those low numbers, from sticking with a run game that's working or playing in windy conditions, he said.

"I think that's something that's probably been a bit overblown,"