Veteran quarterback Burris returns under centre for Ottawa Redblacks

Henry Burris is back as the Ottawa Redblacks’ starting quarterback.

The CFL’s outstanding player last year opened the season under centre for the defending East Division champions but suffered a finger injury in Ottawa’s 45-37 overtime win over the Edmonton Eskimos. Burris, 41, left after having thrown for 251 yards but was overshadowed by backup Trevor Harris, who had 292 yards passing and three TDs.

But Harris suffered ankle and knee injuries in last week’s 30-29 loss to the Saskatchewan Roughriders, which knocked Ottawa (3-1-1) from the ranks of the undefeated. Youngster Brock Jensen came on in place of Harris and completed 20-of-29 passes for 269 yards and two TDs.

However, Ottawa still opted to take Burris of the six-game injured list and start him Sunday at TD Place against the Toronto Argonauts. Harris was superb in the Redblacks’ 30-20 road win over the Argos on July 13, completing 28-of-31 passes for 392 yards but Tristan Jackson cemented the victory with a 75-yard punt return TD to break a 20-20 tie.

Toronto (3-2) is coming off a historic 30-17 win Monday night over the Montreal Alouettes. The victory was the Argos’ first at BMO Field and earned them the distinction of being the first East Division squad to emerge victorious at home this season.

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But it came at a huge price. Starter Ricky Ray, who threw three TDs against Montreal, left in the fourth quarter with a sprained left medial collateral ligament and is out three-to-six weeks.

That means Logan Kilgore will get the start for Toronto. Kilgore, who spent last season on the practice roster, started both of the Argos exhibition games and looked good but threw an interception versus the Alouettes.

Not only does Toronto face a tough task stopping the CFL’s most potent offence but it must also improve on special teams. Kicker Lirim Hajrullahu missed both field goals he tried (37 and 49 yards) against Montreal while returner Stefan Logan took three punts for 70 yards (23.3-yard average) and had three kickoff returns for 93 yards versus the Argos.

Pick — Ottawa.

Winnipeg Blue Bombers versus Edmonton Eskimos (Thursday night)

Matt Nichols makes his first start of the season for Winnipeg (1-4). He replaces Drew Willy, who produced decent numbers (1,473 passing yards, fourth overall) but couldn’t generate offensive points consistently. It’s a homecoming of sorts for Nichols, who began his CFL career with Edmonton and spent three seasons there before being dealt to Winnipeg last year. The Eskimos (2-2) are coming off a dismal 37-31 home loss to Hamilton, a game that saw the Ticats rally from a 25-point deficit. Still, CFL passing leader Mike Reilly (1,580 yards) should be able to take advantage of the Bombers’ secondary at home.

Pick — Edmonton.

Saskatchewan Roughriders versus Montreal Alouettes (Friday night)

Mitchell Gale makes a second straight start for Saskatchewan (1-3). Gale was 21-of-36 passing for 354 yards and a TD against Ottawa with veteran Darian Durant (ankle) out. Naaman Roosevelt had eight catches for 182 yards and a touchdown and kicker Tyler Crapigna was big, hitting all five field goals he attempted. A quick turnaround for Montreal (1-3), which dropped a 30-17 decision in Toronto on Monday and has lost three straight. Offence continues to be an issue for the Als, having scored just five TDs this season. Kicker Boris Bede missed all three field goals he tried versus Toronto and has made just 5-of-12 overall.

Pick — Saskatchewan.

B.C. Lions versus Calgary Stampeders (Friday night)

It’s the second meeting this season between the two teams. B.C. (3-1) earned a 20-18 home win last month as Chris Rainey had two touchdowns, including one on a 73-yard punt return. The Lions have been off since a 40-27 road win over Saskatchewan on July 16. Calgary (2-1-1) is coming off a 33-18 victory over Winnipeg. Quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell led the way with three TD strikes to improve to 8-1 versus the Bombers. Joe Burnett also had an interception return TD. It’s an important game for the Stampeders as the Lions can clinch the season series with a victory.

Pick — Calgary.

Last week: 3-1.

Overall: 8-11-1.

Dan Ralph, The Canadian Press