The B.C. Lions will officially have their franchise quarterback back behind centre when they take on the Calgary Stampeders on Saturday.
Vernon Adams Jr. is set to return to the lineup after missing the last two games with a knee injury sustained in the first quarter of the team’s Week 8 victory over Saskatchewan. He has remained on the roster while recovering but has not taken any snaps.
The 30-year-old was the CFL’s second-leading passer at the time of his injury, having completed 71.3 percent of his passes for 1,548 yards, nine touchdowns, and eight interceptions in five games. He has also rushed for 107 yards and a major.
Since arriving in the CFL in 2016, Adams has thrown for 10,030 yards, 58 touchdowns, and 35 interceptions with the Montreal Alouettes, Saskatchewan Roughriders, Hamilton Tiger-Cats, and Lions.
While Adams will return to his starting role, his replacement will not be available. Veteran backup Dane Evans (ribs) has been placed on the one-game injured list after failing to complete his last start. Dominque Davis will serve as the number two quarterback, while rookie Chase Brice has been activated from the practice roster to serve as third-stringer.
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Despite the boost at quarterback, Adams will be without his favourite target as receiver Dominique Rhymes (knee) will miss his third game of the season and has now been placed on the six-game injured list. The 2022 CFL all-star has caught 22 passes for 316 yards and a league-leading five touchdowns this season but has struggled to stay healthy.
As usual, Canadian Justin McInnis will assume his spot in the starting lineup, while Daniel Petermann has been activated as insurance. Running back Kienan LaFrance will be a healthy scratch.
On defence, the Lions will be without two starters as defensive end Sione Teuhema (ankle) has been placed on the one-game injured list and cornerback Jalon Edwards-Cooper (knee) heads to the six-game.
Defensive tackle Josh Banks returns to the lineup after a one-game absence and will bump Woody Baron out to the edge. Veteran defensive back Mike Jones will make his Lions debut at field-side cornerback after missing the start of the season with an Achilles injury. Backup linebacker Brooks Parker has also been activated.
The Lions (6-2) will host the Stampeders (3-5) on Saturday, August 12 at 7:00 p.m. EDT. They are currently favoured by [metabet_core_dynamic_odds market=”spread-home” query=”531042″ site_id=”3downnation”] points.
Photo courtesy: B.C. Lions
