Quarterback Changes for Lions
The B.C. 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 most of the first-team practice repetitions on Monday, indicating he is likely to make his first career start on Thursday in Winnipeg. This change comes after Lions star quarterback Nathan Rourke, the 2025 CFL MOP, was placed on the six-game injured list last week due to a shoulder injury to his non-throwing arm. He was listed as limited on Monday’s injury report.
Chase Brice, who started last week’s game against the Toronto Argonauts, was replaced by Salter late in a 26-12 loss after an ineffective performance. Salter completed nine of 15 passes for 121 yards in that game. Lions head coach Buck Pierce did not confirm his starting quarterback after Monday’s practice. The Lions, with a 1-5 record, are seeking a win to improve their standing in the West Division.
Salter, who played his final college season for Colorado, signed with the Lions in May 2026. He has appeared in six games during the 2026 season, completing nine of 15 attempts for 121 yards and adding 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. During his senior season at Colorado, he dressed in nine games, completing 127 of 204 passes for 1,404 yards and 10 touchdowns, along with 103 carries for 356 yards and five rushing touchdowns. He was also named the National Quarterback of the Week and Big 12 Quarterback of the Week by Pro Football Focus after Week 7 of college football.
Salter, at 23 years old, is expected to embrace this opportunity. He has a family connection to former Lions player Casey Printers, who is his cousin. Printers, who had two stints with the Lions, can offer guidance. Salter mentioned that he did not realize his cousin played for the team until it was brought up in the offensive staff room. He expressed feeling privileged to follow in his cousin’s footsteps and noted their shared ability to throw the ball 80 yards, attributing it to genetics. Printers advised him to be prepared, emphasizing the fast pace of the game and his capability to play in the league, encouraging him to build bonds, continue working, and be a leader with playmaking abilities.
In his brief appearance last Saturday, Salter showed athleticism and an ability to escape pressure, completing nine of 15 passes for 121 yards, including a pass to Justin McInnis. He stated the importance of knowing his personnel and receivers to put the ball in areas where they can make plays, and that he took mental repetitions to be ready. Printers had a similar trajectory in 2004, stepping in as a third-stringer for an injured starter and achieving significant numbers, including 325 completions from 494 passes for 5,088 yards and 35 touchdowns, along with 469 rushing yards and nine majors, which led to him being named the league’s most outstanding player.
The Lions‘ offence currently ranks fourth in net offence with 405.8 average yards and third in passing with 347.4 yards, but they have a league-low of seven passing majors and the second-worst efficiency ranking at 92.7. The team has also faced challenges with its offensive line, which has regressed and is dealing with injuries. The release of right tackle Dejon Allen was followed by his replacement, Josh Donovan, appearing to suffer a leg injury. The Lions signed American offensive lineman Tyran Walker-Hunt, 27, to the practice roster on Monday. The defence recorded three sacks last Saturday, with two by Mathieu Betts, and forced the Argonauts to attempt five field goals. The Lions also added veteran defensive lineman Lorenzo Mauldin IV, 33, to the practice roster on Monday to support the defence.
Blue Bombers’ Quarterback Situation
The Winnipeg Blue Bombers may also be without their starting quarterback for Thursday’s game. Star quarterback Zach Collaros was not dressed for Monday’s practice due to a neck injury. This situation could lead to Dru Brown making his fourth consecutive start for the Blue Bombers. Brown has a 2-1 record in his starts but is coming off a game where he threw four interceptions in a 52-30 loss to the Calgary Stampeders. The Blue Bombers currently hold a 4-3 record.
The Lions and Blue Bombers are scheduled to face off in Winnipeg on Thursday night, with kickoff set for 8:30 p.m. ET.
Source: sportsnet.ca
