Toronto Argonauts rule out Lirim Hajrullahu in B.C. for non-injury-related reason

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The Toronto Argonauts will be without veteran Canadian kicker Lirim Hajrullahu for Saturday’s matchup against the B.C. Lions.

Hajrullahu was in attendance at practice on Tuesday, but did not take part in sessions on Wednesday or Thursday. His absence was listed as “not injury-related” by the team.

The 36-year-old has struggled to start the 2026 season, connecting on 12-of-18 field goals (66.7 percent) and 18-of-20 extra-point attempts through six games. In Week 7, he missed one convert and two field goals, including the potential walk-off game-winner in a loss to Hamilton.

Hajrullahu began his professional career in 2014 and has since made stops with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, Argos, Hamilton Tiger-Cats, Los Angeles Rams, Carolina Panthers, Dallas Cowboys, Washington Commanders, and Philadelphia Star. He returned to Toronto in 2024 and has earned consecutive East Division all-star selections, bringing his career total to four. He was named All-CFL in 2025 after making 57-of-64 field goal attempts (89.1 percent) and 32-of-33 extra points.

Rookie Canadian Brady Lidster, who was added to the practice roster last week, is expected to replace Hajrullahu in his first career CFL game.

Also missing for the Argos in Week 7 will be American defensive end Andrew Chatfield (foot), Global punter John Haggerty (hamstring), American receiver Dymere Miller (foot), and Canadian offensive lineman Dakoda Shepley (back). American returner Janarion Grant (knee) is available, while Canadian linebacker Cameron Judge (hamstring) remains doubtful.

The Toronto Argonauts (2-4) will visit the B.C. Lions (1-4) at BC Place Stadium on Saturday, July 25, with kickoff scheduled for 7:00 p.m. EDT. The Argonauts lost to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats last week after Lirim Hajrullahu missed a potential walk-off game-winning field goal, while the Lions failed in their comeback bid against the Edmonton Elks.

The weather forecast in Vancouver calls for a high of 22 degrees with a mix of sun and cloud. The game will be broadcast on TSN and RDS2 in Canada, CBS Sports Network in the United States, and CFL+ internationally. Radio listeners can tune in on TSN 1050 in Toronto and 730 CKNW (English) or Sher-E-Punjab Radio AM 600 (Punjabi) in Vancouver.