Blue Bombers lose starting quarterback Drew Willy to serious knee injury

WINNIPEG – The Winnipeg Blue Bombers have lost starting quarterback Drew Willy to a serious knee injury.

The team says he has a tibial plateau fracture in his right knee as well as a partial ligament tear. Coach Mike O’Shea said on Tuesday that Willy will not require surgery.

“It’s a setback that’s pretty frustrating for him,” said O’Shea. “When I talked to him last night he just says the same thing. He wants to be there for his guys. He wants to play and help us win. You always feel pretty badly for the person, y’know?

“Team wise, it’s pro football and you understand that this is something that we’re going to go through and we’re going to find ways to win and it’s going to be exciting for our team.”

The Bombers say the recovery time is six to eight weeks, although O’Shea acknowledged that the timeline could be longer or shorter.

“Drew’s always shown that he’s resilient, that he heals really quickly,” said O’Shea. “I don’t think that pain would be a determining factor for him. Just a matter of making sure that the fracture’s healed up and that he’s healthy and ready to go. We’ll see how long that takes.”

Willy was hurt late in Sunday’s third quarter after taking a hit from Hamilton linebacker Erik Harris. Willy remained on the field clutching his right knee before walking off with the help of medical personnel.

Brian Brohm replaced Willy as the Bombers went on to lose to the Tiger-Cats 38-8.

O’Shea did not name a replacement QB for Friday’s game against the Toronto Argonauts. However, he told reporters that he has already made the decision.