Ottawa Redblacks' quarterback Henry Burris passes against the B.C. Lions during the first half of a CFL football game in Vancouver, B.C., on Sunday September 13, 2015.DARRYL DYCK/The Canadian Press
Henry Burris has been instrumental to the Ottawa RedBlacks' success this season, but with his team facing one of its biggest games, the veteran quarterback could be on the sidelines.
Last week, the 40-year-old Burris took a hit to the knee and his status for Sunday's game at Hamilton is unclear. Backup Thomas DeMarco has been taking the snaps every day, and on Friday, head coach Rick Campbell said he didn't know who would start.
Burris knows it may not be entirely up to him, but he says he can play.
"I'm ready," he said following Friday's practice. "I'm always ready to get out there and play. I just wanted to make sure everything is working correctly and feeling comfortable and nothing's on my mind when I'm out there playing, but for the most part I feel I'm ready to go."
The RedBlacks are 10-6 and have already punched their playoff ticket. Still, the final two games of the season, both against 10-6 Hamilton, are crucial. A sweep or a win and a tie for either team would clinch first in the East Division. If the two teams split, first would be decided by aggregate points.
Coming in this season, Burris knew many questioned whether or not he could improve the fortunes of an expansion team that had won just two games the previous year.
Not only has Burris silenced his critics, he's done it in style.
Burris is 219 yards short of equalling his career-high of 5,367 passing yards, a mark he hit in 2012 when he was a Ticat. He has completed 436 passes and has a chance of setting the CFL record for the most completions in one season (479). With a pass completion rate of 71.8 per cent this season has easily been Burris's most efficient in the CFL since 2010 when he was with Calgary. His career average is 62.2 per cent.
Last week against Winnipeg, Burris connected on a 15-yard play that put him over the career 60,000 passing-yard milestone. Only Anthony Calvillo and Damon Allen have accomplished the feat in the CFL. Burris has already surpassed Calvillo into second place on the all-time CFL list for career completions (4,423), trailing only Allen's 5,158.
"I think a lot of people focused too much on the age and not on the product," Burris said. "If it's not passed the expiry date it's still good to use and I didn't think my expiry was up."
Burris's season hasn't gone unnoticed. Not surprisingly, his RedBlacks' teammates are quick to rave of his exploits, but even those working against him have taken notice.
Calvillo, now offensive co-ordinator for the Montreal Alouettes, said the way Burris has come back this season is a true test of character.
"For him to have the season he's having after last year just shows his mental toughness," said Calvillo, who competed against Burris for 14 years. "The crazy thing in this profession is that last year guys were probably writing him off. You have to give Henry a lot of credit for this year. Every year that he's had success he's been consistent. He still has that great arm and is able to use his feet. Without a doubt he's worthy of consideration as the [most outstanding player], he's definitely in the conversation."
Campbell never doubted Burris could get the job done.
"I couldn't have predicted the stats, but I'm not surprised at the success we've had," Campbell said. "His approach to this season has been no different than last season as far as him preparing mentally, physically and his want to and all that stuff, but we've helped him out by surrounding him with some players that have made some plays."
Not to be overlooked is the hiring of Jason Maas as offensive co-ordinator.
"He's the reason why our offence has meshed so well and the reason guys go out and do their job so well," Burris said. "He has a passion for us to be successful. We have a comfort with one another and we know what the other is thinking sometimes."