The B.C. Lions head into Regina for the West Final on Saturday with concerns at the running back position.
James Butler has been listed as a game-time decision for the second consecutive week as he continues to battle an ankle injury suffered in the regular-season finale against Saskatchewan. The 30-year-old was a limited participant in practice on all three days leading up to the game, taking part in offensive walkthroughs but sitting out the team period.
Butler carried the ball 229 times this year for a career-best 1,213 yards and 11 touchdowns, while also catching 46 passes for 439 yards and another major. However, he managed just eight carries for 28 yards and three catches for 38 yards after being banged up against the Riders. After being deemed a game-time decision for the West Semi-Final last week, the Calgary Stampeders held him to seven carries for 25 yards, as well as two catches for 26 yards.
The Lions have former NFL fullback Zander Horvath on the roster if Butler is unable to go, while Jordan Terrell could also be activated off the practice roster. Horvath has run for 231 yards and two touchdowns on 24 carries this year, while adding 47 yards on two receptions. Terrell played three games in 2024, producing four carries for 24 yards as well as a receiving touchdown, but has yet to play this year.
While Butler’s status looms large, the Lions have made only one official change to their lineup. Veteran Canadian linebacker Isaiah Messam is back from a knee injury, with Woodly Appolon becoming a healthy scratch.
The B.C. Lions (12-7) will visit the Saskatchewan Roughriders (12-6) in the West Final at Mosaic Stadium in Regina on Saturday, November 8, with kickoff slated for 6:30 p.m. EST. The Lions defeated the Calgary Stampeders by a score of 33-30 in the West Semi-Final, while the Roughriders were on bye after finishing atop the West Division standings.
The weather forecast in Regina calls for a high of minus-six degrees and mainly sunny conditions. The game will be broadcast on TSN and RDS in Canada and CFL+ internationally. Radio listeners can tune in on 730 CKNW in Vancouver and 620 CKRM in Regina.
Graphic courtesy: B.C. Lions
