B.C. Lions

B.C. Lions get back defensive linemen Jonah Tavai, Kemoko Turay against Riders

by
3Down Staff
July 18, 2025

Photo courtesy: Steven Chang/B.C. Lions

The B.C. Lions are getting some bodies back along the defensive line ahead of their matchup with the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

Defensive tackle Jonah Tavai will make his return as a starter after missing the last three games with a calf injury. The 24-year-old is in his second season with the team, recording six tackles and one sack in three games prior to his injury. He is the team’s highest-graded run defender according to ProFootballFocus, posting a mark of 85.2.

Also back in the rotation will be former NFL second-round pick Kemoko Turay, who has completed his one-game suspension for instigating a fight following the team’s victory in Montreal. In five CFL games, the 30-year-old defensive end has collected six defensive tackles and two sacks.

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Rookie defensive end Jalil Clemons has been returned to the practice roster to accommodate the moves and defensive tackle Marcus Moore will be a healthy scratch. Defensive tackle DeWayne Hendrix (thigh) will sit out another week despite being a full participant in practice, while Global gap plugger Tibo Debaillie (ankle) remains limited on the one-game injured list.

The B.C. Lions (3-3) will host the Saskatchewan Roughriders (4-1) at BC Place Stadium on Saturday, July 19 with kickoff slated for 7:00 p.m. EDT. The Roughriders are coming off a 24-10 home loss to Calgary, while the Lions ran roughshod over the Elks in Edmonton to record a second straight win.

The game will be broadcast on TSN and CTV in Canada, CBS Sports Network in the United States, and CFL+ internationally. Radio listeners can tune-in on 620 CKRM in Regina and 730 CKNW in Vancouver.