Ticats quarterback Collaros to miss remainder of season with knee injury

HAMILTON – Zach Collaros’s brilliant 2015 season is over.

The Hamilton Tiger-Cats confirmed Monday their star quarterback will miss the remainder of the campaign with a torn ACL in his right knee. Collaros suffered the injury in the second quarter of a 25-18 home loss to the Edmonton Eskimos on Saturday afternoon.

Collaros underwent an MRI on Monday. The Ticats said no date for surgery has been determined.

“I would like to thank the great players, coaches and fans around the league who have extended their support this week,” Collaros said on his Twitter account Monday. “I will work my hardest for my teammates and our organization to come back stronger.

“Until then, I believe in our team and believe we will bring the 2015 Grey Cup to Hamilton. Thank you.”

Support poured in from across the league.

“You make playing qb look easy,” Toronto starter Trevor Harris tweeted. “Get well well brother..Hall of fame career has only just begun.”

Argos kicker Swayze Waters echoed those sentiments on Twitter.

“@ZCollaros7 love you brother!”

Added the B.C. Lions: “Sending positive thoughts to one of the best, @ZCollaros7, for a speedy recovery!@Ticats #CFL #BCLions.”

The loss of Collaros is huge for Hamilton (8-4). The 27-year-old native of Steubenville, Ohio, leads the CFL in passing yards (3,376), touchdowns (25) and passer rating (113.7) and also sported an impressive 70.2 completion percentage.

The six-foot, 216-pound Collaros is in his fourth CFL season and second with Hamilton. He began his career in Canada with the Toronto Argonauts before signing with the Ticats as a free agent prior to the 2014 campaign.

Collaros was the overwhelming favourite to be the East Division’s nominee for the CFL’s outstanding player award. His injury opens up the East Division race with the Ottawa Redblacks (7-4) and Argos (6-5) both within striking distance.

The Montreal Alouettes (5-6), who have beaten Hamilton twice this year, also remain in playoff contention.

Collaros left Saturday’s game after completing 7-of-10 passes for 90 yards and a TD. Rookie backup Jeff Matthews completed 12-of-20 passes for 157 yards but also threw three interceptions, two of which Edmonton returned for touchdowns.

Third-stringer Jacory Harris also saw action, completing six-of-12 passes for 59 yards but also lost a crucial fumble that set up Kendial Lawrence’s game-winning four-yard TD run.

The Ticats don’t play again until Oct. 2 when they host the Calgary Stampeders.