B.C. Lions to start Salter at quarterback, Butler ruled out against Blue Bombers

By Liam Tremblay — 29 July 2026 — 3 min read

Lions Make Quarterback Change

The B.C. Lions are making a change at quarterback, with rookie Kaidon Salter set to make his first career start. The team confirmed on Wednesday that Salter will lead the offence in their Week 9 matchup against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. This decision comes as the Lions seek a crucial win.

Salter took the majority of first-team practice repetitions this week in preparation for Thursday’s game in Winnipeg. This will be the third different quarterback to start for the Lions this season. The team’s previous starter, Nathan Rourke, the 2025 CFL MOP, was placed on the six-game injured list last week due to a shoulder injury affecting his non-throwing arm.

Last week, Chase Brice started against the Argos but was replaced by Salter late in a 26-12 loss after an ineffective performance. Salter, who played his final college season for Colorado last season, completed nine of 15 passes for 121 yards during his time on the field against the Argos.

Key Player Absences and Replacements

In addition to the quarterback change, the Lions will be without starting running back James Butler, who has been ruled out of the game. Butler sustained a foot injury that limited his participation in practice this week. Emani Bailey will step in to replace Butler at running back.

On the offensive line, Anu Una and Tyran Walker-Hunt are slated to start. Defensively, Colby Taylor and Josh Hagerty will be in the starting lineup. Hagerty is also part of the defensive back rotation that includes C.J. Coldon and Ronald Kent Jr., who will need to collectively tighten up downfield.

The absence of Butler places additional pressure on the team’s top wide receivers, Keon Hatcher Sr. and Justin McInnis. These two players have combined for 858 yards and bring considerable experience against the Bombers’ secondary. Their ability to make life easier for the rookie quarterback will be crucial.

Blue Bombers’ Quarterback Situation and Defensive Focus

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers will continue with Dru Brown at quarterback. Brown is making his fourth consecutive start as Zach Collaros continues his recovery from a neck injury. Collaros is a two-time MOP. Brown’s record as a starter is 2-1, but he is coming off a game against the Calgary Stampeders where he threw four interceptions in a 52-30 loss.

The Bombers’ secondary, known for limiting opposing passing yardage, will be looking for a strong performance after giving up three passing touchdowns to Vernon Adams Jr. in their last outing. This unit, led by veteran defensive backs Evan Holm and Deatrick Nichols, aims to bounce back.

Offensively for Winnipeg, running back Brady Oliveira is expected to be a key player. Oliveira rushed for 128 yards and two touchdowns against Calgary. The Lions’ defence, however, has been effective against the run, holding opposing rushers to 54.8 yards per game. The Bombers will look to feed Oliveira consistently to alleviate pressure on their quarterback.

Week 9 Matchup Significance

The Lions, with a record of 1-5, are in urgent need of a victory to improve their standing in the West Division. This game marks the first time this season that the Lions and Blue Bombers will face each other. The Lions are also seeking their first road victory of the campaign.

The Blue Bombers are aiming to regain momentum after their loss to Calgary. The game is scheduled for Thursday, with an 8:30 p.m. ET kickoff, and will be broadcast on TSN/RDS in Canada and on CFL+ in the U.S. and internationally.

For Salter, keeping the game plan simple with easy completions early on will be important for him to settle into his first Canadian Football League start. The Lions’ defence has allowed 17 passing touchdowns in six games and has only three interceptions, highlighting an area for improvement against Winnipeg’s Ontaria Wilson, Nic Demski, and their teammates.

Source: sportsnet.ca