All-star receiver Kenny Lawler back in Bombers’ lineup vs. B.C.

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers will get a massive boost to their offence on Sunday with the return of star receiver Kenny Lawler to the lineup.

The 30-year-old native of Pomona, Calif. caught three passes for 26 yards in Winnipeg’s season-opening loss to the Montreal Alouettes but left the game late in the second quarter after suffering a fractured arm. He has spent the remainder of the year on the six-game injured list.

In 2023, Lawler caught 50 passes for 901 yards with six touchdowns over 12 games with Winnipeg. He made six receptions for 83 yards in the West Final against the B.C. Lions and three catches for 77 yards during the Grey Cup against the Montreal Alouettes.

The six-foot-two, 199-pound target has made 215 receptions for 3,446 yards and 21 touchdowns since 2019. He is a two-time West Division all-star, one-time CFL all-star, and a two-time Grey Cup champion.

Kick returner Kody Case has been demoted to the practice roster to make room for Lawler. 32-year-old veteran receiver Lucky Whitehead will handle those duties after being bumped out of the starting lineup.

Defensively, Sunday will mark the return of defensive end Celestin Haba, who has been out since Week 2 with a knee injury. The 25-year-old has 13 defensive tackles, four sacks, and a forced fumble in 10 career CFL games. Rookie defensive tackle Devin Adams has been demoted to the practice roster after notching 12 defensive tackles and four sacks in nine games this year.

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers (3-6) will visit the B.C. Lions (5-4) at 7:00 p.m. EDT on Sunday, August 18.

Graphic courtesy: Winnipeg Blue Bombers