The Hamilton Tiger-Cats will put their two-game winning streak to the test without quarterback Zach Collaros when they visit the Winnipeg Blue Bombers Wednesday night.

Head coach Kent Austin said Saturday that while Collaros is very close to returning and is improving every day, the starting pivot will sit out Week 7.

"When Zach’s ready to play, he’ll play," Austin said. "We have confidence in all our guys and everybody knows that if they’re in the lineup they’re expected to play at a high level. Jeremiah (Masoli) has done awesome with his opportunity; he’s trustworthy and proven that."

Collaros did not take first-team snaps on Friday as the team prepared for the Blue Bombers. Collaros has been out since September due to a torn ACL.

While Collaros remains out, Masoli will continue to start for the Tiger-Cats. Masoli has led the team to a 3-2 record while completing 132 of 180 passes for 1,532 yards with eight touchdowns and five interceptions.

Collaros, 27, was dominating defences in the 12 games before his injury last season, throwing 25 touchdowns to eight interceptions and completing over 70 per cent of his passes. 

In the offseason, Collaros signed a contract extension to remain with the club throughout 2018.