The B.C. Lions have named Dominique Davis as their starting quarterback for their preseason opener against the Saskatchewan Roughriders on Saturday.
Projected number one pivot Vernon Adams Jr. is expected to travel with the team to Regina, but will not be in the lineup. Backup Dane Evans, who was acquired via trade from the Hamilton Tiger-Cats this offseason, will take second-team reps behind Davis, while rookie Judd Erickson serves as the third quarterback.
Davis was signed by the Lions as a free agent this offseason, after spending the 2022 campaign as the third-stringer in Montreal. He threw for 253 yards, three touchdowns, and two interceptions along with 63 carries for 111 yards and 13 touchdowns.
The six-foot-four, 215-pound passer has thrown for 3,893 yards, 14 touchdowns, and 21 interceptions over 106 career CFL games as a member of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, Ottawa Redblacks, and Montreal Alouettes.
B.C. will be travelling to Regina with an inexperienced lineup, with most experienced starters expected to stay home. In addition to Adams, notable names not on the gameday roster include receivers Dominique Rhymes, Lucky Whitehead, Keon Hatcher, Jevon Cottoy, and Alexander Hollins; fullback David Mackie; offensive linemen Jarrell Broxton, Michael Couture, Sukh Chungh, and Kent Perkins; defensive linemen Mathieu Betts, David Menard, Woody Baron, Josh Banks, Nathan Cherry, and Tibo Debaillie; linebackers Bo Lokombo, Ben Hladik, and Josh Woods; defensive backs Garry Peters, Marcus Sayles, Emmanuel Rugamba, TJ Lee, Mike Jones, and Jalon Edwards-Cooper; kicker Sean Whyte; and returner Terry Williams.
Former NFL running back Antonio Williams will get the start at the open backfield position, followed by Gregory Howell Jr. and Taquan Mizzell. Second-year defensive lineman Riley Pickett will handle long-snapping duties.
The Lions and Riders will kick off at Mosaic Stadium in Regina at 7:00 p.m. EDT on Saturday, May 27.
