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“I tried to lay him out,” Purifoy admitted. “He better slide next time. He should be a running back, if he wants to do all that dumb (bleep). I told him, straight up, ‘If you don’t slide, bro’, I’m going to give you a lick every time you do that.’ I’m going to take my shots next time.”

BELL COW

Team 100 — Lions’ linebackers Solomon Elimimian (10) and Adam Bighill (12) — had 22 defensive tackles between them, including a sack by Bighill near the goal line that forced Esks’ punter Grant Shaw to concede a safety on the next play.

While the dynamic duo seemed to be on a mission, Bighill admitted “there were times when we didn’t tackle well.” Shakir Bell, the ankle-breaking Eskimos running back, rushed for 108 yards and a touchdown on 23 carries.

“Lack of discipline. We didn’t set edges (against Bell),” Bighill said. “We didn’t keep him inside and contained. He’s a very talented back. But most of our problems with him were self-inflicted.”

HARD LUCK

Late in the second quarter, Lions starting left guard Hunter Steward was helped from the field after suffering what he hopes is only a mild ankle sprain.

“I’m not going to say too much on it right now, because I don’t know,” Steward said. “But I think I’m going to be OK.”

A first-round pick in 2013, he has had his issues staying healthy since he turned pro. Steward was replaced by this year’s first-round pick, Charles Vaillancourt, who saw his most game reps since July 1, against Hamilton. Vaillancourt started for the first two games at right guard, but he has been an extra since undergoing concussion protocol in Week 3.