Sutton adds physicality to Lions backfield

CFL.ca Staff

VANCOUVER — As the regular season begins to wind down, the BC Lions continue their playoff push, adding some physicality to their backfield.

The Lions announced on Tuesday that the team has acquired veteran running back Tyrell Sutton, along with a third round selection in the 2019 CFL Draft, in a trade with the Montreal Alouettes in exchange for the Lions’ 2019 second round selection.

BC sits fourth in the West Division, just ahead of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, who they’re tied with in points (12). They’re also just two points out of third place and four out of second. Fighting for a playoff spot will be the team’s top priority.

And that close race for the post-season is why the team decided to bring Sutton on board.

Sutton avoids a tackle against new team earlier in the season (The Canadian Press)

“I think any time you can get an All-Star player to come to your team at this time of the year is very, very beneficial,” head coach Wally Buono said. “Tyrell Sutton is a great running back. He’s powerful, he’s elusive. He’s a good pass receiver. He’s also good at protecting the quarterback.”

Sutton spent his entire six-year CFL career with the Montreal Alouettes, collecting 643 carries, 3,573 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns. This season, the 31-year-old has suited up in nine games and has amassed 417 yards on 86 carries and a touchdown.

The five-foot-eight, 213-pounder has been known for his physical running style, an attribute in which BC Lions General Manager Ed Hervey thinks will help Sutton fit right in with the rest of the running backs on his team’s roster, including Jeremiah Johnson, Chris Rainey and Travon Van.

“He just gives you that option that you can hand him the ball and if he has a hole, he’s going to hit it,” said Hervey. “He’s going to be physical and guys don’t want to tackle him. Guys do not like to tackle him even though it’s part of the responsibility.

“He’s one of those guys, when you watch him, the first guy never brings him down. We talk about being physical here and he brings that. He’s a tone setter and that’s what we want.”

The Lions head East this weekend to take on the Tiger-Cats at Tim Hortons Field on Saturday afternoon as they hope to win the second half of a back-to-back against Hamilton.

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