B.C. Lions linebacker Josh Woods has suffered a devastating knee injury that will end his season, the team announced on Tuesday.
The 25-year-old American player sustained the injury during the Lions’ game against the Calgary Stampeders on Saturday. Woods was attempting to make a tackle when he went down in pain and had to be helped off the field.
After undergoing further evaluation, it was determined that Woods had torn his ACL and MCL, effectively ending his 2021 season.
This is a major blow for the Lions, as Woods had been a key player on their defense since joining the team in 2019. In his first season with the Lions, he recorded 61 tackles and two sacks, and was named the team’s Most Outstanding Rookie.
Woods’ absence will be felt on the field, but his teammates and coaches are rallying around him during this difficult time.
“Josh is a tremendous player and an even better person,” said Lions head coach Rick Campbell. “We are all devastated for him and will do everything we can to support him in his recovery.”
Woods’ injury is just the latest in a string of setbacks for the Lions this season. The team has already lost several key players to injuries, including quarterback Michael Reilly and receiver Lucky Whitehead.
Despite these challenges, the Lions remain determined to push through and continue fighting for a playoff spot.
“We have a resilient group of players and we will continue to work hard and overcome these obstacles,” said Lions general manager Ed Hervey.
The Lions currently have a record of 2-4 and are sitting in fourth place in the West Division. They will face the Ottawa Redblacks on Friday in hopes of turning their season around.
As for Woods, he will undergo surgery and begin the long road to recovery. The team has not yet announced a timeline for his return, but it is expected that he will miss the remainder of the season.
Our thoughts are with Josh Woods as he begins his journey to recovery. We wish him all the best and look forward to seeing him back on the field in the future.