Plot twist: Michael Reilly starting for B.C. Lions

Photo courtesy: CFL/Matt Smith

It was is becoming a bizarre weekly occurrence, the B.C. Lions are making a last-minute pregame change at the quarterback position.

Michael Reilly will be starting for B.C. on Thursday night as they take on the Calgary Stampeders at McMahon Stadium. Nathan Rourke was originally listed as the starter on the team’s depth chart after taking heavy reps in practice this week.

Reilly has been fighting through an elbow injury and, as per the team, it was determined after pregame warmups that he’s ready to play. He played most of the second half in last week’s loss to the Saskatchewan Roughriders and posted solid numbers, completing 17-of-24 pass attempts for 203 yards and one touchdown.

Despite the impressive statline, Reilly’s throws didn’t look like the ones CFL fans have grown accustomed to. They lacked their usual strength and accuracy with a few errant passes falling dangerously close to opposing defensive backs.

Canadian quarterback Nathan Rourke started last week’s game and overcame a slow start to finish the game competing 10-of-18 pass attempts for 194 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions.