Now that star quarterback Nathan Rourke is again with the B.C. Lions, the 2024 Gray Cup hosts appear to have dramatically boosted their possibilities of turning into the primary group to win the title tilt at dwelling for the reason that 2013 Saskatchewan Roughriders.
The Canadian’s resolution to return to B.C., after 4 NFL stops with out a actual likelihood to make any type of impression the previous two years, continues what has been a roller-coaster journey for CFL QBs prior to now few weeks.
Eight of 9 groups are anticipated to have began not less than two completely different quarterbacks by the tip of this week — Week 11 in a 21-week season.
Three of the highest 5 passers within the league have misplaced their beginning jobs, whereas different high pivots have battled accidents.
Let’s go across the league and take a look at the present quarterback panorama.
East Division
Montreal Alouettes (8-1)
The spectacular Alouettes haven’t missed a beat with out Cody Fajardo (hamstring), who has missed the previous three video games.
Davis Alexander changed an ineffective Caleb Evans three video games in the past and has guided the reigning Gray Cup champs to a 3-0 report.
Whereas Fajardo has been pushing to come back again for Friday’s first go to to Saskatchewan for the reason that Roughriders lower ties with him following the 2022 season, it appears extra doubtless he’ll relaxation yet one more week. The Alouettes have a nine-day window earlier than they return to motion following the journey to Regina.
Ottawa Redblacks (5-2-1)
First-year starter Dru Brown exited final week’s tie in opposition to Saskatchewan with a leg damage and was changed by Dustin Crum.
On Thursday in Calgary, veteran Jeremiah Masoli is anticipated to make his first begin since he returned from a prolonged damage absence early final yr, solely to endure one other season-ending damage (Achilles).
Brown has been throwing balls on the sphere at follow this week, so he’s anticipated to return earlier than too lengthy. Just like the Alouettes, the Redblacks have a nine-day window earlier than their subsequent recreation.
Brown has proven indicators he’s able to being the reply at quarterback for the bettering Redblacks, who’ve had a revolving door at QB for a half decade.
Toronto Argonauts (5-4)
Veteran Nick Arbuckle did sufficient final week to assist the Argos pull a win out in opposition to Calgary after Cameron Dukes began the primary eight video games of the season.
Now, we wait to see what the CFL says about reigning most excellent participant Chad Kelly. Final weekend, the league mentioned it’s initiating a evaluate to find out a attainable reinstatement for the Buffalo native, who was suspended for not less than 9 video games for violating the league’s gender-based violence coverage.
Toronto is off this week earlier than returning subsequent Thursday for Recreation 10 of its season versus Saskatchewan. A choice doubtless has to come back by this weekend because the Argos begin making preparations for his or her annual CNE recreation subsequent week.
Hamilton Tiger-Cats (2-7)
Veteran Bo Levi Mitchell was changed by Taylor Powell final week after an interception in a loss in opposition to Montreal.
A visibly indignant Scott Milanovich mentioned after the sport that Powell would change Mitchell as starter this week in opposition to Edmonton.
Mitchell leads the league in passing yards, but in addition is tops in interceptions.
Powell confirmed promise final yr after Mitchell went down with an damage.
The Ticats desperately want a win this week to remain related within the second half of the season.
Both approach, the Ticats’ resolution to make Mitchell a giant low season signing previous to the 2023 season now appears to be like like a nasty mistake.
West Division
Saskatchewan Roughriders (5-3-1)
Younger Shea Patterson (2-3-1 as a starter) has stored the Roughriders afloat whereas veteran Trevor Harris has been sidelined with a knee damage.
Harris has taken the first-team reps this week and is poised to return Friday in opposition to the Alouettes.
Harris, 38, was enjoying very effectively earlier than taking place, however that is the second yr in a row he has missed a number of weeks with an damage.
B.C. Lions (5-4)
The return of Rourke is a big enhance for the struggling Lions, who’ve misplaced three in a row after a scorching begin.
The Victoria native picked an ideal time to come back again as Vernon Adams Jr. (knee) missed the final recreation with a knee damage.
The Lions have mentioned they don’t plan to commerce Adams this season. He was wanting like a most-outstanding-player candidate earlier than the damage, so possibly the Lions discover methods to make use of each quarterbacks in several packages.
Adams figures to be a commerce candidate within the low season, however for the remainder of this yr, the Lions most likely have two of the league’s finest quarterbacks on their roster.
One other bonus: The Lions are enjoying a house recreation on Aug. 31 in Victoria. What a homecoming that can be for Rourke.
Calgary Stampeders (4-5)
The Stamps actually are the one group that hasn’t had quarterback drama the previous two years.
Nonetheless, that doesn’t imply issues are nice.
Jake Maier is third within the league in passing this season, however the Stamps are averaging the second-fewest factors within the league. He hasn’t but developed into one of many league’s marquee pivots, which was the hope of Calgary when the Stamps promoted Maier to the starter’s function forward of Mitchell halfway by way of the 2022 season.
Winnipeg Blue Bombers (3-6)
Star QB Zach Collaros hasn’t been pretty much as good as typical this yr, although he’s coming off his finest outing of the season in a win in opposition to B.C.
Collaros missed one recreation earlier this season with a thorax damage, permitting Chris Streveler to get his first begin since getting back from the NFL.
At their finest, Collaros and Streveler could be a nice 1-2 punch. However they haven’t hit high kind constantly this season.
Edmonton Elks (2-7)
Dynamic Canadian quarterback Tre Ford led the Elks to their first win of the season after an 0-7 begin, however then suffered a rib damage final week and was changed by earlier starter McLeod Bethel-Thompson in a victory in opposition to B.C.
Why the Elks waited so lengthy to present the previous College of Waterloo star a shot is an excellent query — head coach/GM Chris Jones misplaced his job within the midst of the membership’s season-opening dropping skid.
Ford was restricted in follow Tuesday and it appears unlikely he’ll begin this week. The Elks need to hope the veteran Bethel-Thompson can maintain the group’s successful methods going.
Saturday’s recreation in Hamilton nearly looks like an elimination recreation, as each groups attempt to keep within the playoff hunt.
Recreation of the Week
Rourke’s return in opposition to the visiting Blue Bombers ought to be enjoyable.
Rourke’s final CFL recreation was a loss to Winnipeg within the 2022 West last.
Star receiver Kenny Lawler is anticipated to return for Winnipeg after breaking his arm within the season opener.
Right here’s a take a look at the total schedule.
Thursday: Ottawa Redblacks at Calgary Stampeders, 9 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. native
Friday: Montreal Alouettes at Saskatchewan Roughriders, 9 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. native
Saturday: Edmonton Elks at Hamilton Tiger-Cats, 7 p.m. ET and native
Sunday: Winnipeg Blue Bombers at B.C. Lions, 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. native
