QB Vernon Adams Jr. to start Lions’ regular-season finale despite knee injury

Photo courtesy: Steven Chang/B.C. Lions

The B.C. Lions will be rolling with their usual starting quarterback when they face the Calgary Stampeders on Friday, despite a lingering knee injury to Vernon Adams Jr.

The 30-year-old went down late in the fourth quarter of the team’s Week 19 win over Hamilton and could not take to the field for the game’s deciding drive, giving way for backup Dane Evans to make a heroic effort off the bench. However, the injury was not deemed serious and Adams was a full participant in practice this week.

This is not the first time that Adams has battled through knee pain, as a similar injury suffered in the first quarter of a Week 7 win over Saskatchewan caused him to miss the remainder of that contest and the subsequent two starts. Despite that fact, the Lions signal-caller remains the leading passer in the CFL, having completed 68.2 percent of his throws for 4,653 yards, 31 touchdowns and 17 interceptions.

Much like the quarterback position, the rest of the Lions’ roster remains largely unchanged. Canadian defensive back Adrian Greene (knee) will be the only addition to the one-game injured list, having made 16 defensive tackles, 10 special teams tackles, and one interception. Depth defensive lineman Josh Archibald will return to the lineup, looking to build on his nine special teams tackles this season.

The Lions (12-5) will host the Stampeders (5-11) on Friday, October 20 at 10:00 p.m. EDT. The team’s regular-season finale still carries some importance, as a victory would keep the team’s hopes of hosting a West Final alive in the event that Winnipeg loses each of their final two games.

Photo courtesy: B.C. Lions