Saskatchewan Roughriders defensive back C.J. Reavis (1) tackles Winnipeg Blue Bombers quarterback Chris Streveler (17) during the first half of CFL football action in Regina, Sunday, Aug. 31, 2025. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Heywood Yu)

By Britton Gray

Tackle

Riders’ C.J. Reavis speaks on hit to Bombers’ quarterback Zach Collaros

Sep 11, 2025 | 1:15 PM

After the Saskatchewan Roughriders‘ Banjo Bowl win, one play was at the centre of attention.

Winnipeg Blue Bombers quarterback Zach Collaros was hit on a blitz by Saskatchewan Roughriders linebacker C.J. Reavis and was knocked out of the game. Originally, no flag was thrown on the play, but after a challenge by Bombers head coach Mike O’Shea, it was ruled that Reavis’ helmet hit Collaros’ one, and roughing the passer was called.

“It was a seven-man pressure that we sent. I came unblocked and tried to lower my target a little bit and hit him with my chest first so I didn’t hit him in the head,” Reavis said. “The result of the play, I think, made it look worse than it was. I didn’t hit him that hard, to be honest.

“I pray that he is alright. I just feel like it’s a football play.”

After the game, Reavis tweeted out about the hit, questioning how he’s supposed to tackle a quarterback as a defender.

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“If you hit (quarterbacks) too low, it’s a flag. If you hit them too high, it’s a flag. I feel like it’s about trying to find that good area in between the chest and the torso, which is kind of hard to do,” Reavis said. “We have to play within the rules, however it comes.”

The Riders won the Banjo Bowl 21-13 to secure the season series over the Bombers.

Collaros hasn’t practiced this week and has been on the Bombers’ injury report with a head injury. He has been ruled out for the Bombers’ game against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.

Saskatchewan’s focus turns to the Montreal Alouettes and the showdown at Mosaic Stadium on Saturday between the two CFL clubs. The Riders will look to improve on their 10-2 record ahead of the team’s third and final bye week of the regular season.

“They run the ball well. (McLeod Bethel-Thompson) is a vet in the game, so the game will flow to him, so he will know where to go with the ball,” Reavis said. “I think our job is to just attack and stay on the offence as much as we can and not make it easy for them.”

Some changes could be coming to the defence this week as both defensive back Marcus Sayles (leg) and Tevaughn Campbell (head) did not participate in Wednesday’s practice. In their places, Kerfalla Exume and Benny Sapp III were taking reps with the starters.

Kickoff for the game on Saturday is set for 5 p.m.

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