Buono anticipates Lulay, Elimimian could both be options for Week 18

B.C. Lions head coach Wally Buono could be getting some reinforcements back in the lineup.

Quarterback Travis Lulay was injured on the team’s first offensive series against Montreal in Week 14 after he was hit by veteran Alouettes’ defensive end John Bowman. Lulay lay on the turf in obvious discomfort before leaving the field with his left arm immobilized by a member of the training staff. But the veteran pivot said he could do a shoulder rehab in his sleep.

“Travis really feels good, but I think Travis needs another week where he’s getting stronger,” Buono said on TSN radio in Vancouver.

Jon Jennings guided the Lions to a win over the Alouettes and Ticats, but B.C. suffered a blowout loss to Hamilton in the back end of the home-and-home set with the Tabbies. That was a game the Lions needed to help their playoff push. The Lions sit one game behind Winnipeg and Edmonton with a game in hand in the West Division.

Lulay has played in eight games throwing for 1,845 yards, eight touchdowns against four interceptions while completing 61 per cent of his pass attempts and provided a notable boost to the offence when behind centre.

Similar to what all-star linebacker Solomon Elimimian could provide for the defence in the effort to secure a post-season spot. He suffered a non-fracture wrist injury in the Leos Week 5 win against Winnipeg. He had surgery to repair a dislocation and some nerve damage according to 3DownNation’s Lowell Ullrich.

“Solomon he feels really good, he’s getting strength in his wrist. I do believe that medically hell be cleared Monday of next week. He’s gotta go see the doctor’s. He feels right now that’s he’s really close to being able to play,” Buono said.

The 31-year-old made 26 tackles in four games this season and the two-time Most Outstanding Defensive Player has been a consistently excellent performer during his nine-year career.

“I’m anticipating that hopefully next week,” Buono said, “they’ll both be options.”