A former Alouettes quarterback is set to start for the Rouge et Noir

The Ottawa Redblacks will make a major change at the quarterback position for their next game.

The team has decided to name McLeod Bethel-Thompson the starting quarterback, and he will be behind the center against the Calgary Stampeders on Saturday. (3DownNation⁠
)

This decision comes just days after the veteran made a notable debut in the 26-23 loss to the Toronto Argonauts. McLeod Bethel-Thompson replaced Jake Maier in the second quarter and completed 16 of 23 passes for 192 yards and one touchdown. (3DownNation⁠
)

Head coach and general manager Ryan Dinwiddie confirmed the change on Tuesday. According to him, the 38-year-old veteran deserves this opportunity after showing patience throughout the season.

A New Opportunity for the Veteran

The change comes as Ottawa remains 0-12. Jake Maier started against Toronto but was pulled after completing seven of his ten passes for just 42 yards. (3DownNation⁠
)

McLeod Bethel-Thompson then kept the Redblacks in the game until the final minutes. Despite the result, his performance convinced the organization to now give him a chance to start a game.

Dinwiddie also noted that he still believes in Jake Maier, but that the team needs to try different approaches after his difficult start to the season. The decision to start McLeod Bethel-Thompson therefore represents a change at the position, without necessarily meaning that Maier has been ruled out for good. (3DownNation⁠
)

The next challenge will be particularly interesting, as the Redblacks travel to Calgary to face the Stampeders. Calgary currently holds a 5-8 record and will host Ottawa at McMahon Stadium on Saturday night. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. (3DownNation⁠
)

For McLeod Bethel-Thompson, this game will be an important opportunity to demonstrate what he can bring to the Redblacks' offense. His performance against Toronto earned him this new opportunity, but he will now have to navigate the demands of a game in which he is slated to start.

The matchup against Calgary will also reveal whether this change brings a new dynamic to Ottawa's offense. With five games remaining after this matchup, the organization will be looking for answers as it continues to chase its first win of the season.

McLeod Bethel-Thompson will therefore be the quarterback to watch for the Redblacks on Saturday, in a matchup that could provide further insight into the quarterback situation in Ottawa.

Created by humans, assisted by AI.