Tyrie Adams is set to make his first career start at quarterback for the Ottawa Redblacks when they take on the Edmonton Elks on Friday.
Adams joined the Redblacks in 2022 following a stellar stint with the Salina Liberty of the Champions Indoor Football league, dressing for six games. His only action of note came in the regular season finale, where he completed eight-of-12 passes for 98 yards and rushed for 30 more.
The second-year backup took over from Nick Arbuckle in a relief role during the club’s Week 2 loss to the Calgary Stampeders and completed nine-of-16 pass attempts for 129 yards along with four carries for 19 yards. He was announced as the starter earlier this week after it was revealed that franchise pivot Jeremiah Masoli is not yet ready to return from his knee injury.
Arbuckle had started the first two games of the season with disappointing results, throwing for 286 yards and four interceptions in a pair of losses. He will be active on Friday but has been dropped to a third-string role, leap-frogged on the depth chart by newcomer Dustin Crum.
The team has placed returner DeVonte Dedmon (shoulder) on the six-game injured list after he was ruled out for the season earlier this week. Defensive back Brandin Dandridge and receiver Savon Scarver are both expected to contribute in the return game, with rookie C.J. Lewis drawing into the starting lineup at receiver to spell the latter.
All-star halfback Cariel Brooks (foot) and middle linebacker Chizi Umunakwe (shoulder) have both been moved to the one-game injured list, prompting a pair of changes to the defensive lineup. Damon Webb will take over for Brooks in the secondary while Global linebacker Tyron Vrede will start in the middle, with defensive back Deandre Lamont and linebacker Ryan Saddler coming off the practice roster as insurance.
Fullback Anthony Gosselin (ribs) was also placed on the six-game injured list, allowing veteran Ante Milanovic-Litre to return to the lineup after missing Week 2 with an ankle injury.
The Redblacks (0-2) will host the Edmonton Elks (0-3) on Friday, June 30 with kickoff slated for 7:30 p.m. EDT. Ottawa has not won at home since these two opponents played on September 28, 2021. They are currently point favourites.
