The B.C. Lions are anticipating the potential return of quarterback Nathan Rourke, who practiced with the first team ahead of Week 10. This development follows a shoulder injury Rourke sustained during a game against the Edmonton Elks. The team is preparing to host the Hamilton Tiger-Cats at BC Place this Saturday.
Rourke expressed optimism about his return, stating, “That’s the intention. We are taking it day-by-day and see how I respond. That’s the big thing. We are trying to make sure we’re not just back for one game.” His injury occurred in Edmonton on July 17.
Recent Team Performance and Player Highlights
In Rourke’s absence, the Lions have maintained a record of 1-1. The team recently secured a 35-19 victory over Winnipeg in Week 9. This win was notable for the Lions achieving a franchise record of 377 rushing yards, with running back Zander Horvath contributing 191 yards, including 109 yards after contact, and three rushing touchdowns.
Horvath‘s performance earned him the title of CFL Player of the Week. Quarterback Kaidon Salter, making his first CFL start in place of Rourke, also added 160 rushing yards during the game. Horvath traveled to Chicago and then Indiana to be a groomsman in a wedding following his career night.
The Lions‘ victory against Winnipeg demonstrated their ability to control the game on the ground, which can significantly impact team morale. The team’s current standing is 2-5, placing them two games behind both the Stampeders and Blue Bombers in the West Division.
Injury Updates and Roster Adjustments
The team has also been active in addressing roster needs and managing other injuries. Veteran tackle Martez Ivey was signed to a contract on Wednesday to bolster depth after tackle Joshua Donovan was sidelined for the season due to a knee injury. Ivey, who is 31 years old and in his sixth CFL season, has previously played for Toronto, Edmonton, and Ottawa. While it may take a few weeks for Ivey to integrate with the Lions‘ offense, he is a former all-star.
In Donovan’s absence, second-year player Tyran Walker-Hunt started at right tackle against Winnipeg and reportedly performed well in his CFL debut. Another player, Joshua Coker, who started for Calgary for the past two years, is currently rehabilitating a torn ACL and is not expected to return for at least a month.
On the injury front, receiver Jovan Cottoy is slated to return after sustaining a thigh injury in the first game of the season in Saskatchewan on July 13. Cottoy‘s versatility as a hybrid player who can operate as a receiver, tight end, or H-Back is expected to be a significant asset to the offense, allowing the Lions to maintain personnel groupings without signaling plays. Receivers Stanley Berryhill (thigh) and Nate Demontagnac (shoulder) are also nearing their return to action.
Cornerback Gary Peters, who was set to make his season debut against Winnipeg after off-season knee surgery, experienced a groin tweak and remains sidelined. The secondary is expected to receive a boost with the eventual returns of both Peters and safety Cristophe Beaulieu. Beaulieu, who tore his ACL last season, is continuing his rehabilitation and is anticipated to return at some point in the second half of the season.
In five games this season, Rourke has accumulated 1,403 passing yards, with five touchdowns and four interceptions, completing 71.3 percent of his passes. The Lions will face the 3-5 Hamilton Tiger-Cats this Saturday.
Source: abbynews.com
