The B.C. Lions have confirmed that the injury to starting quarterback Vernon Adams Jr. is not as bad as fans initially feared.
“After being further evaluated by our team physicians this morning, it has been confirmed that Vernon’s injury is not long-term and that he is out week-to-week,” head coach and co-general manager Rick Campbell said in a statement, echoing his post-game comments.
Adams Jr. exited Thursday night’s 25-0 loss to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers early in the fourth quarter after he appeared to hyper-extend his right knee on a sack from TyJuan Garbutt. He remained on the sideline with a pronounced limp and ice taped to the injured joint for the rest of the game but had to be carted off the field after the final whistle.
The injury came in the midst of an uncharacteristic performance for the star passer, who was eight-of-17 for just 74 yards and an interception prior to his exit. The Lions, who boasted the league’s top offence entering the game, generated only 102 net yards and four first downs all night while being shut out for the first time in three years.
Adams had been on a torrid pace prior to the contest, leading the CFL in passing and being viewed by many as the early frontrunner for Most Outstanding Player. He has completed 167-of-259 passes for 2,469 yards, 14 touchdowns, and six interceptions in eight games, adding 167 rushing yards and two scores on the ground.
The 31-year-old was the CFL’s leading passer in 2023 with 4,769 yards, 31 touchdowns, and 18 interceptions, but also missed two starts in that campaign with a knee injury. He was acquired by the Lions via trade from the Montreal Alouettes mid-way through the 2022 season following an injury to Nathan Rourke.
B.C.’s current backup quarterback is Jake Dolegala, who went one-of-three passing for 12 yards in relief on Thursday. The 27-year-old made nine starts for the Saskatchewan Roughriders last season and lost his last seven in a row, going 216-of-333 for 2,641 yards, 11 touchdowns, and nine interceptions.
The Lions (5-3) will return to action on Sunday, August 11 when they visit the Edmonton Elks.
