Salter steps in as Lions face Blue Bombers
B.C. Lions rookie quarterback Kaidon Salter is expected to make his first career start on Thursday against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in Manitoba. Salter, 23, took the majority of first-team practice repetitions on Monday, indicating he is likely to lead the team. This comes after starter Nathan Rourke was placed on the six-game injured list last week due to a shoulder injury to his non-throwing arm.
Salter’s potential start is notable as it is uncommon for a third-string rookie quarterback to begin a game in the CFL. Head coach Buck Pierce expressed confidence in Salter, stating, “He can create and is confident with his arm and plays with some moxie.” Salter, an undrafted free agent from Dallas, signed with the Lions on May 4 after playing for Colorado in the previous NCAA season.
Family connection and recent performance
Salter has a family connection to the Lions through his cousin, Casey Printers, who also played quarterback for the team. Salter mentioned that he was unaware of this connection until it was brought up by a coach. Printers, who had two stints with the Lions, has offered guidance to Salter, advising him to be prepared and to build bonds within the team.
Salter saw action in the final six minutes of Saturday’s 26-12 loss to the Toronto Argonauts, replacing second-stringer Chase Brice, who struggled. During his time on the field, Salter completed nine of 15 passes for 121 yards, including a pass to Justin McInnis. His performance showcased athleticism and an ability to evade pressure while finding targets, injecting energy into the team.
Printers’ own career included a period in 2004 where he, as a third-stringer, replaced an injured starter and achieved significant numbers, earning the league’s most outstanding player award. He completed 325 of 494 passes for 5,088 yards and 35 touchdowns, along with 469 rushing yards and nine majors.
Team outlook and injury updates
The Lions, with a 1-5 record, are in need of a win to improve their standing in the West Division. The team’s offence ranks fourth in net offence with 405.8 average yards and third in passing with 347.4 yards, but has recorded a league-low seven majors and has a 92.7 efficiency ranking.
Rourke, the 2025 CFL MOP, was listed as limited on Monday’s injury report. His 71.3 per cent completion rate in five games reflects his previous outstanding player numbers, though four interceptions indicate challenges the team has faced. The offensive line has also experienced issues, including the release of right tackle Dejon Allen and an apparent leg injury to replacement Josh Donovan. The Lions have since signed American offensive lineman Tyran Walker-Hunt to the practice roster.
On the defensive side, the Lions recorded three sacks against the Argonauts, with Mathieu Betts contributing two. The defence managed to limit the Argonauts to five field goal attempts. Additionally, the team added veteran defensive lineman Lorenzo Mauldin IV, 33, to bolster the defence. Mauldin IV had a notable season in 2022 with 17 sacks for the Ottawa Redblacks, earning him the league’s most outstanding defensive player honour.
Meanwhile, the Blue Bombers may also be without their starting quarterback, Zach Collaros, who was not present at Monday’s practice due to a neck injury. This could mean Dru Brown will make his fourth consecutive start for the 4-3 Blue Bombers.
The Lions will face the Blue Bombers on Thursday.
Source: theprovince.com
