Lions’ receiver Lucky Whitehead to miss West Semi-Final with reaggravated ankle injury

Photo courtesy: Paul Yates/BC Lions

The B.C. Lions will be without one of their top offensive weapons for the West Semi-Final due to a questionable roster decision.

Electric receiver Lucky Whitehead returned to the lineup in last week’s regular-season finale after missing three games with an ankle injury. The aim was to get the 30-year-old comfortable on the foot ahead of the playoffs, however, Whitehead re-aggravated the injury late in that meaningless game and will now miss the first round.

Despite missing time, Whitehead still sits ninth in CFL receiving with 78 receptions for 1,011 yards and three touchdowns. With veteran Bryan Burnham returning from an extended absence, the Lions were supposed to form a dangerous quartet with fellow thousand-yard receivers Dominique Rhymes and Keon Hatcher. That will no longer be possible.

Whitehead first played in the CFL with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers but achieved stardom last year in B.C., catching 60 passes for 932 yards and four touchdowns on his way to a CFL all-star selection. He previously spent time with the Dallas Cowboys and New York Jets.

First-year receiver Alexander Hollins will continue to start in place of Whitehead and has shown promise, catching 13 passes for 117 yards and a touchdown in four outings.

The Lions (12-6) will host the Calgary Stampeders (12-6) on Sunday, November 6 at 4:30 p.m. EDT.