Vernon Adams Jr. officially back in Calgary Stampeders’ saddle for Labour Day Classic

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

The Calgary Stampeders will officially have quarterback Vernon Adams Jr. back under centre following a one-game absence.

The 33-year-old quarterback was a full participant in practice on Thursday for the first time since suffering a head injury three weeks ago. He has cleared concussion protocol and has been listed atop the team’s official depth chart for the Labour Day Classic on Monday.

Adams Jr. has completed 180-of-281 passes for 2,548 yards, 22 touchdowns, and two interceptions over 10 regular-season games this year. He has also added 28 carries for 214 yards and three touchdowns on the ground.

The veteran pivot was injured after he scrambled near midfield early in the fourth quarter of Calgary’s Week 11 loss to the B.C. Lions. He was tackled by Lions defenders Deontai Williams Sr. and Lorenzo Mauldin IV, and his helmet struck the turf. He momentarily appeared unresponsive following the play, but eventually left the field under his own power.

Backup quarterback Josh Love made his first career start in Adams’ absence, leading the Stampeders to a victory over the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. He has completed 31-of-46 passes for 332 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions in his time at the helm. Love will remain on the active roster, with fellow QB Ben Wooldridge being placed on the reserve roster.

The Stampeders will be without a couple of rotational defensive linemen, as both Charles Wiley (ankle) and Elijah Hills (ankle) have been placed on the six-game injured list. American rookies Savio Frazier and Khairi Manns will dress for depth.

Canadian linebacker Eric Rascoe, the team’s first-round pick in the 2026 CFL Draft, is slated to make his return from a shoulder injury. Canadian defensive back Ashton Miller-Melancon has been demoted to the practice roster to make room.

The Calgary Stampeders (5-6) will host the Edmonton Elks (8-3) at McMahon Stadium on Monday, September 7, with kickoff scheduled for 6:00 p.m. EDT. Last week, the Elks were on bye while the Stampeders beat the Hamilton Tiger-Cats thanks to a late touchdown run from Dedrick Mills.

The weather forecast in Calgary calls for a high of 15 degrees with a chance of showers. The game will be broadcast on TSN in Canada, CBS Sports Network in the U.S., and CFL+ internationally. Radio listeners can tune in on 880 CHED in Edmonton or 770 CHQR in Calgary.

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