Lions, Blue Bombers both could be missing starting QBs for Thursday game
Quarterback Changes for Lions
The BC Lions are expected to feature a new starting quarterback for their upcoming Week 9 matchup against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Rookie quarterback Kaidon Salter took the majority of first-team practice repetitions on Monday, positioning him to potentially make his first career start on Thursday in Winnipeg. This follows an injury to the Lions‘ star quarterback, Nathan Rourke, who was placed on the six-game injured list last week due to a shoulder injury to his non-throwing arm. Rourke, the 2025 CFL MOP, was listed as limited on Monday’s injury report.
Salter‘s potential start comes after Chase Brice, who started last week, was replaced by Salter late in a 26-12 loss to the Toronto Argonauts. During that game, Salter completed nine of 15 passes for 121 yards. Lions head coach Buck Pierce did not confirm his starting quarterback after Monday’s practice. The Lions, with a 1-5 record, are in need of a victory to improve their standing in the West Division.
Salter signed with the Lions in May and has appeared in six games during the 2026 season. He has completed nine of 15 attempts for 121 yards and also has four carries for 12 yards. His college career included playing at Liberty from 2021-24, where he appeared in 35 games and became a full-time starter in his sophomore year, earning the Hero Sports G5 National Player of the Year award. He then transferred to Colorado for his senior season, playing in nine games and completing 127 of 204 passes for 1,404 yards and 10 touchdowns. He also added 103 carries for 356 yards and five rushing touchdowns. Following Week 7 of college football, Pro Football Focus named him the National Quarterback of the Week and the Big 12 Quarterback of the Week.
The Lions‘ offensive statistics show them ranking fourth in net offence with 405.8 average yards and third in passing with 347.4 yards. However, they have recorded a league-low seven touchdowns and have the second-worst efficiency ranking at 92.7. These issues are further complicated by problems with the offensive line. The team recently signed American offensive lineman Tyran Walker-Hunt to the practice roster on Monday.
Blue Bombers’ Quarterback Situation
The Winnipeg Blue Bombers also face uncertainty at the quarterback position. Star quarterback Zach Collaros, a two-time MOP, was not dressed for Monday’s practice due to a neck injury. This development could lead to Dru Brown making his fourth consecutive start for the Blue Bombers, who currently hold a 4-3 record.
Brown has a 2-1 record as a starter but is coming off a game where he threw four interceptions in a 52-30 loss to the Calgary Stampeders. The potential absence of both starting quarterbacks could significantly impact the upcoming Week 9 game.
The Lions‘ defence recorded three sacks in their last game, with two by Mathieu Betts. They managed to limit the Argonauts to five field goal attempts. The team also added veteran defensive lineman Lorenzo Mauldin IV on Monday to strengthen their defence. Mauldin IV had a notable season in 2022 with 17 sacks for the Ottawa Redblacks, earning him the league’s Most Outstanding Defensive Player honour.
The game between the Lions and the Blue Bombers is scheduled for Thursday night in Winnipeg, with kickoff set for 8:30 p.m. ET.
Source: sportsnet.ca
