Before the question was even finished, Calgary Stampeders quarterback Vernon Adams Jr. smiled and shook his head.

“Last year, I was in the same spot,” he said. “I don’t feel any different [this year]. I’m still earning my spot, earning my paycheque, coming in early, staying late, doing what I need to do to hopefully be successful on game day.”

Adams, of course, was referring to opening the 2024 season as the undisputed starting quarterback of the BC Lions. Adams was putting together a Most Outstanding Player-type season for the Lions, but injured his knee in early August.

Calgary hosts the Hamilton Tiger-Cats on Saturday at 7 p.m. ET/ 5 p.m. MT on TSN 1, 3, and 4.

Nathan Rourke, who returned from the NFL that same month, took over the starting job, and Adams was traded to the Stamps for the ninth and 29th selections in the 2025 CFL Draft and their 2026 second-round pick soon after the season concluded.

Prior to his injury, Adams had thrown for 14 touchdowns, six interceptions, and nearly 2,500 yards, leading BC to a 5-2 record before he hurt his knee in their Aug. 1 game in Winnipeg. BC went 4-7 the rest of the way, losing their lone playoff game.

He........

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