Ex-Lions star QB Vernon Adams Jr. now leading Stampeders

Vernon Adams Jr. gets the chance to deliver some payback when the Calgary Stampeders host the BC Lions on Friday night.

Adams established career highs of 4,769 yards and 31 touchdowns for BC in 2023. He was enjoying another big season last year before sustaining a knee injury on Aug. 1 against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

That opened the door for Nathan Rourke, who threw more interceptions (nine) than touchdowns (four) last season. But after the campaign, the Lions decided to move forward with Rourke and Adams was traded to Calgary.

"It's going to be a great opportunity," Adams said of playing against the Lions. "I'm excited. It's always fun to play your former team."

Adams indicated he isn't holding a grudge and said he has no hard feelings against BC.

"Not at all," Adams said. "I'm Year 10 of my CFL career. Just trying to play a good game. ... Play one of my best games, hopefully."

Adams has passed for 2,826 yards, 15 touchdowns and eight interceptions in 11 games this season for Calgary (8-4), which is coming off a bye.

Rourke said he's glad his former teammate has found a place where he can thrive.

"I've been super happy for him," Rourke said. "He's having a great year. He seems very comfortable in that offense."

Rourke has flourished this season and has thrown for a career-high 3,604 yards, including eight 300-yard outings. He has 20 touchdown passes -- five shy of his career best -- and has been intercepted nine times for the Lions (6-7).

BC has scored 30 or more points in six straight games. Receiver Keon Hatcher leads the league with 71 receptions and 1,170 yards. James Butler Jr. leads the CFL in rushing with 989 yards.

Rest assured Adams doesn't want to see much of Lions star defensive lineman Mathieu Betts, who is tied for the CFL lead with eight sacks.

Betts recorded four sacks in last week's 38-27 victory over Ottawa. It was the most sacks by a BC player since Cameron Wake recorded four in 2008. Wake moved on to the NFL's Miami Dolphins after that season.

Overall, BC had seven sacks in the win over Ottawa.

"It's two consecutive weeks on the D-line that we have had a really good game as a unit," Betts said. "So, I feel that if we do that going forward, everybody will be pretty happy with the result for us. Also helps the team win."

This is the first meeting between the Lions and Stampeders. The teams meet again Oct. 4 in Vancouver.

--Field Level Media