The BC Lions’ leading passing offense is performing exceptionally well, yet there remains an opportunity for Keon Hatcher to reintegrate into the lineup.
Hatcher is set to return to the field on Thursday night against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, marking his first appearance since suffering a ruptured Achilles tendon last November. This injury notably occurred during a playoff game where the Lions lost 24-13 to the Blue Bombers.
Expressing his enthusiasm about returning, Hatcher stated, “I’m happy to be back with the guys. I’m ready now to go chase this Grey Cup. My first game back, ironically, is in Winnipeg. It comes full circle. I’m excited and very thankful.”
In the two seasons prior to his injury, Hatcher was a significant contributor, recording 70 receptions for 1,043 yards and five touchdowns in 2022, followed by 78 catches for 1,226 yards and six touchdowns last season, ranking second in the CFL for yardage.
The Lions, with a record of 5-2, are averaging a league-leading 342.1 passing yards per game even in Hatcher’s absence. Justin McInnis leads the league with 780 receiving yards, while Alexander Hollins ranks third with 663 yards.
Quarterback Vernon Adams Jr. is currently at the forefront of the CFL, leading with 2,395 passing yards and ranking second in touchdown passes with 14.
The Lions aim to secure a season series victory against the Blue Bombers (2-6) for the first time since winning two of three matchups in 2017.
The Blue Bombers have had a challenging start to the season, losing four consecutive games, including a narrow 16-14 overtime defeat against the Toronto Argonauts last Saturday. They are in dire need of a win against the Lions.
Quarterback Zach Collaros, a two-time CFL Most Outstanding Player, has struggled, throwing a league-high eight interceptions while accumulating 1,723 yards and only three touchdowns.
“Obviously, everybody feels not great at the moment with the way things have gone thus far,” Collaros acknowledged.
Injuries have plagued the Blue Bombers’ receiving corps, with Kenny Lawler sidelined due to a broken arm and Dalton Schoen out for the season with a knee injury. Additionally, Drew Wolitarsky was injured against Toronto and has been placed on the six-game injury list.
As a result, Nic Demski (33 receptions, 419 yards) and Ontaria “Pokey” Wilson (30 catches for 463 yards) have become the primary wide receivers in a depleted group.
Demski remarked, “That’s what it feels like a little bit right now. We’ve got great guys who are in their first year in the league, and they’re making tremendous strides. They’re working hard, too, and they want to be leaders on this team as well. It’s all about the next man up, and everybody understands that.”
Leave a Reply