The Calgary Stampeders lost more than just a game against BC. They also lost their top 2 Quarterbacks.
After a tough loss to the BC Lions, the Calgary Stampeders are clinging to 2nd place in the West.
With both Winnipeg and BC right on their tail, the Stamps need to turn things around soon. Unfortunately, they will have to do that with a QB room that’s very much in flux.
What Happened Against BC
Rookie short-yardage ace Quincy Vaughn had to finish the game at QB after both Vernon Adams and PJ Walker went down with injury.
No disrespect to Vaughn, but it was immediately clear that he isn’t a realistic option at QB at this time. It was clear from the play calling that developing into a true option at QB will take time. And, time is one thing the Calgary Stampeders don’t have as the playoff race heats up.
Current Injuries
Vernon Adams Jr. didn’t practice on Monday, but Coach Dickenson seemed optimistic that he might return soon.
According to Coach Dickenson, Adams is dealing with a sore back, and he hopes to see him back at practice soon. Unfortunately, he didn’t seem nearly as optimistic about PJ Walker.
Walker will need an MRI, which is never a good thing. The best-case scenario is that he misses a few games. Worst case, he’s done for the season.
With one or two QBs out, the QB room looks a lot less formidable than before.
The Calgary Stampeders’ Current Healthy Options
As things stand, the Calgary Stampeders have three healthy options at QB.
Quincy Vaughn
I think very highly of Quincy Vaughn. I think he has a diverse and valuable skillset that any CFL team would be lucky to have. Unfortunately, that skillset involves the ability to be the emergency QB, not a starter at this point.
He’s only a rookie, so that might change. But, as of now, playing QB full-time doesn’t feel like it’s in the cards.
Josh Love
All season, Josh Love has been on the roster but not dressing for games. He’s been doing his best to stay ready, but now there’s a very real chance he will have his number called as QB 2 or even QB 1.
Love is in his first CFL season, but he does come with some professional experience. He spent time with the Los Angeles Rams and Carolina Panthers before playing several years in the USFL/UFL for various teams.
He definitely has the talent and experience to keep the ship afloat for a few weeks, but the Stampeders would probably rather avoid that. Getting thrown into starting while still adapting to the Canadian game is tough enough. It would be even harder down the stretch of a tight playoff race.
Logan Bonner
Calgary Stampeders fans are already familiar with the name Logan Bonner.
He dressed for 17 games for the Stamps in the last two seasons, all as a backup. During his time with Calgary, he’s shown a lot of potential. Unfortunately, he also struggled to take care of the ball, which is one of the reasons he was cut after the preseason this year.
Overall, he’s a solid QB 3 or 4 at this point. But the Stamps would probably prefer to let him develop on the practice squad for now.
Best Case Scenario For The Calgary Stampeders
There is no way to sugarcoat it, the Stamps need Adams healthy. Josh Love and Logan Bonner are talented QBs, but they aren’t VA.
The Stamps’ hopes of holding on to 2nd place in the West appear to rest squarely on his shoulders. Hopefully, he can stay healthy for the rest of the year.
