B.C. Lions bench Tyson Russell, shuffle secondary against Elks

Photo courtesy: Brody Cameron/B.C. Lions

The B.C. Lions are going with a different look in the defensive backfield against the Edmonton Elks.

Rookie American cornerback Tyson Russell, who was credited with six defensive tackles through three games, has been benched after several prominent busts. He will spend this week on the reserve roster, while fellow rookie Stantley Thomas-Oliver will bump over to boundary cornerback after making his debut last week.

Veteran halfback T.J. Lee is slated to return after a late scratch against Calgary, but is still listed as a game-time decision due to a calf injury. Deontai Williams is listed as his backup and has been removed from the starting lineup, with Canadian safety Jackson Findlay officially rolling down to play nickel after flashing there last week. Longtime Canadian special teamer Josh Hagerty will serve as the safety, with Patrice Rene returning to the roster as his backup.

In addition to Lee, Canadian linebacker Ben Hladik (ankle) and American defensive end Levi Bell (hip) are both listed as game-time decisions. Special teams standout Maxime Rouyer has been placed on the six-game injured list with a foot issue, and Canadian linebacker Dawson Pierre makes his debut for added depth.

Offensively, American left guard Brandon Yates is back in the lineup after a one-game absence. Josh Donovan has been placed on the reserve roster after making the start last week, and Canadian Alex Berwick has been returned to the practice roster.

Returner Silas Bolden has also been demoted to the practice roster after a pivotal late-game fumble last week. Fellow American rookie Jaden Williams will dress for the second time this year and is expected to handle those duties.

The B.C. Lions (0-3) will host the Edmonton Elks (3-0) at the Apple Bowl in Kelowna on Saturday, July 4, with kickoff scheduled for 7:00 p.m. EDT. The Elks are coming off a 23-18 come-from-behind win over the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, while the Lions lost the first of two games in the Okanagan against the Calgary Stampeders.

The weather forecast in Kelowna calls for a high of 26 degrees and a mix of sun and cloud. The game will be broadcast on TSN in Canada and CFL+ internationally. Radio listeners can tune in on 880 CHED in Edmonton or 730 CKNW (English) or Sher-E-Punjab Radio AM 600 (Punjabi) in B.C.