Photo courtesy: BC Lions
The BC Lions are expected to not have backup quarterback Kevin Thomson in the foreseeable future after the Sacramento State product suffered a major injury at the end of Saturday’s preseason loss to the Calgary Stampeders.
Many believed Thomson had grown accustomed to the number two quarterback job on the training ground and showed promise in his first live game, finishing 9 of 20 for 129 yards and an interception against Calgary. His only turnover, a selection of six, came in his last pitch of the competition when a free-kick by Stampeders defensive end Titus Wall forced him out of the game with obvious pain just four minutes before the fourth quarter.
The success provoked strong criticism from the Lions after the game, with Calgary accused of being too aggressive with their defensive play at the end of a pointless blast. As a result, Thomson was taken to hospital and will not be available for the team to begin the season.
“It’s a serious injury, but it’s something he will recover from. They still have a few more tests to do, “head coach Rick Campbell said in a video produced by the team.” He stayed in Calgary last night in the hospital doing some things. I don’t want to talk about exactly what their medical appearance is because they have yet to determine things, but it’s something that will be a problem in the long run. “
Thomson originally joined the team in October 2021 and dressed in a game as a substitute. In 27 games for four seasons at Sacramento State University, the six-foot, 220-pound completed 57.3 percent of his passes for 6,424 yards and 52 touchdowns against 12 interceptions while adding 257 carries for 1,247 yards. and 21 majors.
Thomson won the Big Sky Offensive Player of the Year honors and All-Big Sky first team honors in 2019. He moved to the University of Washington in 2020, before relinquishing his final year of eligibility. cause of the pandemic.
In his absence, Canadian Michael O’Connor will take on the role of reserve quarterback by first-year starter Nathan Rourke by default. The two are expected to create the first all-Canadian quarterback duo in CFL modern history, but now the team needs to find a third signal that will serve as insurance for their inexperienced tandem.
That decision could come down soon, with league teams making changes to the roster after their first preseason action.
“Wait and see,” Campbell said. “This is an interesting time for everyone because the teams will be reduced today, so always look at the waiver cable to see what’s going on. We’re always looking to improve if there are people we can find.”
Before any additions can be made, the lions will have to make their own cuts. According to the CFL’s statutes, they must reduce their list to 75 players, plus non-counters, before midnight, Eastern Time on Sunday.