Mired in an 0-4 start, the struggling Winnipeg Blue Bombers will go with quarterback Ryan Dinwiddie as their starter when the defending East Division champions host the Calgary Stampeders on Thursday night.
Dinwiddie will be making his second career CFL start, with his only other appearance in last year's Grey Cup.
The 27-year-old started last year's Grey Cup final after Kevin Glenn broke his arm in the East Division final. Dinwiddie threw one touchdown and three interceptions in a 23-19 loss to Saskatchewan. Including the playoffs, The Boise State product has completed 67 of 118 passes for two touchdowns and eight interceptions since joining the Bombers in 2006.
"The first time I had a full game, I got to get used to it and manage it," he explained to TSN's Off the Record on Monday. "You've just got to be efficient with the football."
Dinwiddie will once again replace Glenn, who has a touchdown-to-interception ratio of 2-8 in four games this season. "Kevin has been pretty good throughout this thing," said Dinwiddie. "We just got to come here and play well. He's a good guy and is willing to help."
The change at quarterback is one of many moves the Blue Bombers will make as they prepare to take on Calgary.
On the injury front, linebacker Barrin Simpson will be placed on the 9-game IR list and is likely out for the year. He will have surgery to repair the torn pectoral muscle he suffered in the game against B.C and may be back for playoffs. Joe Lobedahn takes his spot as the middle linebacker.
Defensive back Ike Charlton and lineman Kyle Koch are also questionable. Slotback Milt Stegall, who is still recovering from off-season knee surgery, is doubtful.
Bombers head coach Doug Berry plans to play defensive back Kelly Malveaux as outside linebacker, with Joe Lobendahn replacing Simpson down the middle and Matt O'Meara playing at right guard.