THE MOJ: B.C. Lions poised for return of starting QB Nathan Rourke

Published 9:05 am Wednesday, August 5, 2026

GUESS WHO’S BACK? Optimism abounds with the B.C. Lions as quarterback Nathan Rourke appears poised to return to action when the Hamilton Tiger-Cats visit BC Place this Saturday (4 p.m., TSN; CKNW 730).

“That’s the intention. We are taking it day-by-day and see how I respond. That’s the big thing. We are trying to make sure we’re not just back for one game. That’s the intention. We are going into it optimistically and see what happens,” Rourke said after Tuesday’s workout.

The real test will be if – or when – Rourke takes a hit and has to fall on the left shoulder that he injured in Edmonton on July 17. I can guarantee you just about everyone in the Lions organization will be holding their breath when that occurs.

FOR THE RECORD: The Lions’ 35-19 record-breaking victory in Winnipeg last Thursday has many in a good mood. It’s not as much as the Lions won against the Bombers as it was how they won – racking up a franchise record 377 yards in the victory with running back Zander Horvath leading the way with 191 yards – 109 which came after contact – and three rushing touchdowns. Quarterback Kaidon Salter – making his first CFL start in place of Rourke – also added 160 yards on the ground. For his efforts, Horvath was named CFL Player of the Week.
There is nothing more demoralizing in the game of football when you know the run is coming and you are helpless to stop it. The Lions imposed their will on the Bombers and that goes a long way when it comes to a team’s psyche. As for Horvath, he celebrated his career night by sleeping in the Winnipeg airport. He had a 7 a.m. flight to catch to Chicago and then a short trip to Indiana where he would act as a groomsman in one of his best friend’s wedding on Saturday.

LINE DANCING: The Lions inked veteran tackle Martez Ivey to a contract on Wednesday in an effort to add some depth after losing tackle Joshua Donovan (knee) for the season. The 31-year-old Ivey is in his sixth CFL season having spent time with Toronto, Edmonton and most recently Ottawa. It will probably take Ivey a couple of weeks to get up to speed with the Lions offense but the former all-star could wind up contributing before it’s all said and done.

Second-year pro Tyran Walker-Hunt started in Donovan’s right tackle spot against Winnipeg and by all accounts fared well in his CFL debut. Also in the mix is Joshua Coker – who started the last two years in Calgary but is currently rehabbing his knee. Coker is coming off a torn ACL and isn’t expected to return for at least a month.

GUESS WHO’S BACK PART DEUX? The team is getting some good news on the injury front. Receiver Jovan Cottoy is slated to return to the Lions after injuring his thigh in the first game of the season in Saskatchewan on July 13. It’s a huge addition to the offense in the sense that Cottoy is a hybrid who can be a receiver, tight end or an H-Back. That flexibility means the Lions don’t have to change personnel groupings, and as a result, potentially tip their hand on what the upcoming play may be. Also getting close to returning to action are receivers Stanley Berryhill (thigh) and Nate Demontagnac (shoulder). Cornerback Gary Peters was slated to make his season-debut against Winnipeg coming off off-season knee surgery but tweaked a groin and remains sidelined. The secondary should get a boost when both Peters and safety Cristophe Beaulieu return. Beaulieu tore his ACL last season and is continuing his rehab but is expected to return at some point in the second half of the season.

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