Salter steps in for Lions
The BC Lions are anticipated to feature Kaidon Salter as their starting quarterback for the upcoming Week 9 matchup against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. This move would see Salter take over from Chase Brice, who started in Week 8. Brice had previously stepped in after Nathan Rourke sustained an injury in Week 7 during a game against the Edmonton Elks.
Salter, who joined the Lions in May, has made six appearances during the 2026 season. In those games, he completed nine of 15 pass attempts for 121 yards. He also contributed on the ground with four carries for 12 yards. His potential start in Winnipeg would mark his first career start.
During Monday’s practice, Salter reportedly took the majority of first-team repetitions. While Lions head coach Buck Pierce did not officially confirm his starting quarterback after the practice session, he indicated that he had a strong sense of the team’s direction for the position. Pierce noted that Monday was primarily a mental day for the team, with a clearer decision expected after Tuesday’s practice.
Salter expressed his readiness for the opportunity, stating that he believes the team trusts him to perform. He aims to help the team secure a victory on Thursday.
Quarterback changes for both teams
The Lions‘ decision to potentially start Salter comes as their star quarterback, Nathan Rourke, remains sidelined. Rourke, who was the 2025 CFL MOP, was placed on the six-game injured list last week due to a shoulder injury to his non-throwing arm. He was listed as a limited participant in Monday’s injury report.
Chase Brice started the Week 8 game against the Toronto Argonauts, completing 14 of 25 passes for 163 yards in a loss. He has appeared in six games in 2026, completing 40 of 66 passes for 476 yards, two touchdowns, and four interceptions. Salter replaced Brice late in the 26-12 loss to the Argonauts.
The Blue Bombers may also be without their starting quarterback, Zach Collaros, for the Week 9 opener. Collaros, a two-time MOP, did not participate in Monday’s practice due to a neck issue. This could lead to Dru Brown making his fourth consecutive start for Winnipeg. Brown currently holds a 2-1 record as a starter but is coming off a game where he threw four interceptions in a 52-30 loss to the Calgary Stampeders.
The Lions, with a 1-5 record, are seeking a win to improve their standing in the West Division. The Blue Bombers currently hold a 4-3 record.
Salter’s collegiate career and professional outlook
Kaidon Salter‘s collegiate career included stints at two universities. He began at Liberty, where he played from 2021 to 2024, appearing in 35 games. He became a full-time starter in his sophomore season and was recognized as the Hero Sports G5 National Player of the Year.
During his time at Liberty, Salter recorded a 23-6 record as a starter. He was named first-team All-Conference USA, the Conference USA MVP, and the Conference USA Championship Game MVP in 2023. Over his four seasons with the Flames, he completed 58.7 percent of his passes for 5,889 yards, 56 touchdowns, and 17 interceptions. He also demonstrated his dual-threat capabilities by rushing for 2,006 yards and 21 scores.
For his senior season, Salter transferred to Colorado in 2025, where he replaced Shedeur Sanders as the team’s starter. He played in nine games for Colorado, completing 127 of 204 passes for 1,404 yards and 10 touchdowns. He also added 103 carries for 356 yards and five rushing touchdowns. Following Week 7 of college football, Pro Football Focus named him the National Quarterback of the Week and the Big 12 Quarterback of the Week. His record at Colorado was 3-6, with a completion percentage of 62.3 percent, 1,414 passing yards, 10 touchdowns, and seven interceptions.
Coach Pierce described Salter as a player with “moxie” and confidence in his arm. He noted that Salter is still developing his understanding of the game, particularly in terms of eye placement and executing offensive schemes. Pierce emphasized the importance of communication and staying within the framework of the offense for young players like Salter.
At his pro day in March, Salter ran a 4.65-second forty-yard dash. He also achieved a 7.23-second three-cone drill, a 4.26-second shuttle, a 35.5-inch vertical jump, and a ten-foot, six-inch broad jump.
The Lions and Blue Bombers are scheduled to kick off their Week 9 game on Thursday at 8:30 p.m. ET in Winnipeg.
Source: cfl.ca
