The B.C. Lions are already facing challenges with their receiving corps just one week into the CFL season. Wide receiver Seven McGee has been placed on the six-game injured list after suffering a foot injury during Saturday's 31-27 season-opening road loss to the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
McGee was hurt while returning a kickoff after Saskatchewan scored a touchdown on the game's first series. Fellow pass catcher Jevon Cottoy also left the contest with a thigh injury, forcing the Lions to finish the game with backup fullback Jacob Bond lined up at receiver. The final play saw quarterback Nathan Rourke throw an incomplete pass to Bond at the Saskatchewan 21-yard line.
Injury Updates and Roster Moves
On Tuesday, the Lions placed McGee on the six-game injured list. Cottoy and fellow receiver Stanley Berryhill (thigh) both sat out practice, with Cottoy appearing doubtful for Friday's game against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. Berryhill's status remains uncertain.
Earlier in the week, B.C. had placed first-round draft pick Nate DeMontagnac (shoulder) on the six-game injured list after he was hurt during the pre-season. The Lions re-signed receiver Jermaine Jackson to the practice roster on Tuesday; he was released May 30 during roster cuts. Jackson appeared in four regular season games last year with the club, returning seven kickoffs for 146 yards and 10 punts for 83 yards, while also catching nine passes for 61 yards.
Coach's Perspective
B.C. head coach Buck Pierce addressed the receiver changes after practice on Tuesday. "It's opportunities," Pierce said. "Opportunities for guys to step up, opportunities for guys that you know have been here working, guys that are on a roster that deserve opportunities. It's no different than any other team. Everybody deals with it at some point. Adversity is part of our game, and we're excited to see some of these guys play."
Pierce added that the lineup moves would not affect B.C.'s play calling against Hamilton. He emphasized the team's preparation: "I think you continue putting the guys in the right positions to do what they do well. We spend a lot of time with these guys. We see what they do daily. So we're excited to use their skill sets."
Rourke's Performance
Rourke connected with seven receivers on Saturday, throwing for 330 yards on 24-of-37 attempts. It was his fourth straight regular season game with over 300 yards and the sixth in his past seven dating back to last year. However, he did not throw a touchdown pass for the first time in 11 regular season games, nor was he intercepted. Rourke scored a rushing touchdown and ran for 59 yards on five carries.
Berryhill took over return duties against Saskatchewan and brought back two punts for 17 yards and three kickoffs for 63 yards, while also recording three receptions for 46 yards. With McGee out, Jackson could assume the key return man role.
The Lions (0-1-0) visit the Hamilton Tiger-Cats (1-1-0) on Friday at 4:30 p.m. B.C. will host the Edmonton Elks at the Apple Bowl on July 4 in the first of two Touchdown Kelowna games, necessitated by B.C. Place hosting the World Cup.
