B.C. Lions quarterback Vernon Adams Jr. (3) throws against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers during second half CFL action in Winnipeg Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/John Woods
VANCOUVER – The B.C. Lions are swapping their starting quarterback in a bid to finish their regular-season campaign on a high.
Head coach and co-general manager Rick Campbell said Tuesday the CFL team will start Vernon Adams Jr. when B.C. (8-9-0) hosts the league-leading Montreal Alouettes (12-3-1) on Saturday.
Nathan Rourke has been B.C.’s starter since Adams went down with a knee injury on Aug. 2, but Campbell said he’s making a switch to try and spark something within a team that has three wins in its last 10 outings.
“We want to get (Adams) in there and see how it goes, see if we can get a change of energy, that type of thing,” the coach said.
Rourke returned to the Lions following two seasons in the NFL. Since re-signing with B.C. on Aug. 13, the 26-year-old Canadian has amassed 1,781 passing yards with four touchdowns and nine interceptions across eight games. He’s also added five rushing touchdowns.
The decision to swap quarterbacks is about circumstance, not Rourke’s performance, Campbell said.
“I don’t think our football team’s problem is our quarterback position. I think it’s our whole football team, offence, defence and special teams not playing well enough. And coaches, too.”
Rourke admitted he was disappointed with the move, but said he understands.
“At the end of the day, this game’s about winning. And we weren’t doing that,” he said. “The great thing about quarterback is you’re the first one to get all the credit and the first one to take all the blame. I take both of those responsibilities.”
Campbell said he’s cautioned his players about not relying on Adams for any miracles.
“I was very clear with our guys. If you think Vernon’s just going to come in and everything’s going to suddenly change because of him, that’s not going to happen,” he said.
“He can be amazing and play really well. But all of us, including me, need to step up to the plate and do a better job as a whole football team. It’s not just one player that’s going to be superman and save the day.”
Adams, 31, helped the Lions to a 5-1 start this season. His 2,469 passing yards and 17 touchdowns had the American in the most outstanding player race when he went down with the knee injury.
Returning to the starting spot “means a lot,” said the former Alouettes QB.
“I’m playing my former team, I’m getting the start again,” Adams said. “But I’m taking it one day at a time. Can’t peak too early. Keep preparing and just staying ready.”
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 15, 2024.
