Backup is up: Jeremiah Masoli gets start at QB for B.C. Lions vs. Winnipeg
The B.C. Lions signed veteran Jeremiah Masoli as a free agent this off-season to provide quarterback depth, and they aren't having to wait long to see about their return on investment.
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The Lions (1-1) announced Friday that Masoli will start at pivot on Saturday (4 p.m.) at B.C. Place against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers (1-0) in place of the injured Nathan Rourke.
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Rourke was hurt in the fourth quarter of last Thursday's 34-20 loss in Winnipeg and was replaced under centre then by Masoli. Rourke was a limited participant when the Lions returned to the practice field in Surrey on Tuesday — he went through the walk-through portion where they go over step-by-step plays they're going to run in the upcoming game — but didn't take to the field with his teammates on Wednesday or Thursday.
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Masoli, 36, is in his 12th season in the CFL. He had a monster campaign in 2018 with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, throwing for 5,209 yards and 28 touchdown as the East Division nominee for CFL Most Outstanding Player. He has battled through injuries the past few years. He passed for 1,149 yards, with five touchdowns and seven interceptions, for the Ottawa Redblacks last season. He was 1-2 as a starter for an Ottawa team that was 9-8-1 overall.
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'He has a lot of experience in this league. He communicates well with the guys,' Lions head coach Buck Pierce said. 'He knows what he likes. He understands his strengths, too.
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On Friday, the Lions were listing Rourke as a game-time decision as a third stringer behind Masoli and Chase Brice. Pierce said that Rourke would dress Saturday. Asked about whether Rourke might see action Saturday, Pierce explained, 'We're going to go ahead and move forward with Jeremiah.'
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B.C. had another walk-through practice on Friday. Rourke was instead running wind sprints with other injured players.
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Masoli is 28-31 all-time as a starter in the CFL, including 3-6 versus Winnipeg.
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Masoli talked Friday about how that playing time off the bench last week helps him. He was 7-of-10 for 84 yards with an interception in that fourth quarter versus the Blue Bombers. He says it gave him a chance to 'just calm down a little bit and let the game slow down.'
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With Rourke sidelined, it will be interesting to see if the Lions can find ways to get the running game going more. They carried it 16 times last week against Winnipeg, and six of those were from Rourke. Lions general manager Ryan Rigmaiden has talked about wanting to be more physical and a team capable of grinding out games along the ground late in the season.
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