Lions quarterbacks Casey Printers and Dave Dickenson won't have lineman Joe Fleming in their face Friday when B.C. plays host to Calgary, but they'll likely see a lot of linebacker John Grace.

A favourite for CFL defensive player of the year honours, Grace is a probable starter, despite an abdominal injury.

Grace, who has a team-leading seven sacks, strained an abdominal muscle on an attempted interception during Calgary's 29-11 victory over the Toronto Argonauts on Saturday.

Linebacker John Grace, left, is expected to return to the Calgary Stampeders lineup Friday against B.C. (CP File Photo)

The strong play of Grace allowed Stampeders general manager-coach Matt Dunigan to trade Fleming, the CFL's top defensive player in 2003, to Winnipeg last month in a five-player deal that brought No. 1 pivot Khari Jones to Calgary.

Grace, a four-time CFL defensive player of the week was kept out of Monday's practice for precautionary reasons.

"It feels a little tight, sort of like a deep bruise," Grace, who has been icing down the injured area, told Calgary reporters. "Ice and anti-inflammatories. That's about all you can do."

Grace and company have combined for nine sacks this season against B.C. (11-5), which has clinched the West Division title for the second time in 17 seasons.

Grace, 27, was acquired last off-season from Ottawa. He led the Renegades with three fumble recoveries a year ago and ranked second with 74 tackles.