Blue Jackets' Zach Werenski: Game-time call Tuesday

Defenseman may miss second straight game with illness

Mar. 3, 2026 at 9:48pm

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Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski is a game-time decision for Tuesday's matchup against the Nashville Predators due to an illness that caused him to miss the team's previous game. Head coach Rick Bowness stated that Werenski will take warmups before a final decision is made on his availability.

Why it matters

Werenski is a key player for the Blue Jackets and a Norris Trophy candidate, so his potential absence would be a significant loss for the team as they look to maintain their position in the playoff race.

The details

Werenski missed the Blue Jackets' game on Monday with the same illness that has him questionable for Tuesday's contest. The fact that he is taking warmups is a positive sign, but the team will wait until just before the game to determine if he is healthy enough to play.

  • Werenski missed the Blue Jackets' game on Monday with the illness.
  • Werenski will take warmups on Tuesday before a decision is made on his availability.

The players

Zach Werenski

A 28-year-old defenseman for the Columbus Blue Jackets who is a Norris Trophy candidate.

Rick Bowness

The head coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets.

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What they’re saying

“Werenski will take warmups before it's decided whether or not he will play Tuesday.”

— Rick Bowness, Head coach

What’s next

If Werenski is unable to play on Tuesday, he will have a full day of rest before the Blue Jackets host the Florida Panthers on Thursday.

The takeaway

Werenski's potential absence would be a significant loss for the Blue Jackets, who are fighting to maintain their position in the playoff race. The team will closely monitor his status and make a game-time decision on his availability.