Calgary Stampeders QB Vernon Adams Jr. leaves game against Lions, doesn’t return

Photo: Blair Takahashi/COACHTAK/3DownNation. All rights reserved.

Calgary Stampeders quarterback Vernon Adams Jr. was unable to finish Thursday night’s game against the B.C. Lions due to injury.

The injury occurred when Adams Jr. scrambled near midfield early in the fourth quarter. He was tackled by Lions defenders Deontai Williams Sr. and Lorenzo Mauldin IV, causing his helmet to strike the turf. He appeared unresponsive immediately following the play.

The five-foot-eleven, 196-pound passer received attention from medical staff before leaving the field under his own power. He visited the medical tent, then watched the rest of the game from the sideline with a towel over his head.

Adams Jr. completed 13-of-23 pass attempts for 148 yards and one touchdown in a rain-soaked affair at McMahon Stadium. He also rushed three times for 25 yards.

The 33-year-old has thrown for 2,548 yards, 22 touchdowns, and two interceptions over 10 regular-season games this year.

The native of Pasadena, Calif. was replaced under centre by Josh Love, who completed six-of-ten pass attempts for 58 yards and one interception in a relief role.

The 29-year-old is in his second season with the Stampeders and entered this week having attempted only eight career CFL passes.

Dedrick Mills, Calgary’s starting running back, was also unable to finish Thursday’s game.

The 29-year-old left the field after taking a hit from Williams that broke up a short pass from Adams Jr. late in the third quarter. The hit did not draw a penalty.

Mills has rushed 129 times for 756 yards and three touchdowns this season.

The Stampeders lost 30-26 as Love was intercepted near the goal line in the dying moments of the fourth quarter, snuffing out any chance of a comeback. The team is now 4-6, sitting fifth in the West Division.

Editor’s note: this article will be updated when the Stampeders provide an update on Adams Jr.’s status.