Fourth-year backup QB Chase Brice making first career start for B.C. Lions against Argos

Photo courtesy: Dustin Bowdige/B.C. Lions

The B.C. Lions will have a new quarterback and a new right tackle when they face the Toronto Argonauts on Saturday.

Chase Brice will make his first career start following the injury to franchise pivot Nathan Rourke last week. The fourth-year backup finished 20-of-34 for 226 yards, one touchdown, and four interceptions in relief, but will get a second chance at the helm with a full week of practice under his belt. In 43 career CFL games, the 28-year-old has completed 51-of-74 passes for 574 yards, three touchdowns, and four picks.

Rourke’s left shoulder injury is expected to hold him out for weeks, rather than months, and he has been placed on the reserve roster instead of the injured list. Recently acquired quarterback Tyrie Adams will dress as the third-stringer to fulfill roster requirements.

Brice will have a new man protecting his right side after the Lions elected to release former Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman winner Dejon Allen on Thursday. American veteran Josh Donovan will take over at right tackle after previously starting a game at left guard, allowing the team to keep the remainder of their offensive line intact.

On the defensive side of the ball, starting defensive end Levi Bell has been placed on the one-game injured list due to a hip issue, while backup Matt Spatny has been moved to the reserve roster while battling a foot injury. Canadian Hayden Harris will get the start opposite Mathieu Betts, with rookie American Colby Taylor dressing for insurance.

Canadian linebackers Ben Hladlik (ankle) and Dawson Pierre (knee) have both been placed on the six-game injured list. American rookie Ralen Goforth will dress for the first time as insurance behind starting weak-side linebacker Parker McKenna, while veteran Canadian defensive back Patrice Rene and rookie Canadian linebacker Chase Henning return to the lineup to strengthen the special teams unit.

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The B.C. Lions (1-4) will host the Toronto Argonauts (2-4) 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.