The B.C. Lions will be dealing with a surprise absence along their offensive line when the playoffs get underway on Saturday.
Right tackle Dejon Allen, the former Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman who was acquired via trade by the team this offseason, will not be able to suit up after he was unable to practice on Thursday with an arm injury. The 31-year-old missed 13 games this year with a torn bicep suffered in Week 3 but had played the past two games after making a near-miraculous recovery.
Chris Schleuger, who started every game at the position in Allen’s absence, will return to the lineup and step into his familiar spot as the team’s only offensive change. Running back James Butler, who sat out two practices this week due to an ankle injury, is listed as a game-time decision, with Zander Horvath backing him up.
Defensively, the team will get defensive tackle Jonah Tavai back in action after he was snubbed by all-star voters, while Tomasi Laulile becomes a heathy scratch. Cornerback Garry Peters also returns to action after a one-week hiatus but is still listed as a game-time decision with a nagging knee injury. Marquise Bridges, his replacement last week, waits on the practice roster.
The B.C. Lions (11-7) will host the Calgary Stampeders (11-7) in the West Semi-Final at BC Place Stadium on Saturday, November 1 with kickoff slated for 5:30 p.m. EDT. The Stampeders won their final three games of the regular season, including a 20-10 victory over the Edmonton Elks, while the Lions knocked off the Saskatchewan Roughriders last week to finish second in the West Division standings.
The game will be broadcast on TSN and RDS in Canada and CFL+ internationally. Radio listeners can tune in on 770 CHQR in Calgary and 730 CKNW in Vancouver.
Graphic courtesy: B.C. Lions
