Veteran middle linebacker Solomon Elimimian returns to the B.C. Lions

VANCOUVER – Solomon Elimimian is back with the B.C. Lions.

The middle linebacker rejoined the CFL club Thursday after failing to catch on with an NFL team. Elimimian signed with the Minnesota Vikings in the off-season but was released during training camp.

He was later added to the Cleveland Browns’ practice roster before being let go.

Elimimian will now complete the option year of his CFL contract with B.C., which has until early next week to decide on Elimimian’s playing status. The Lions did say Elimimian won’t attend practice Friday or be in uniform when they host the Toronto Argonauts on Saturday.

“We’re pleased to have Solomon back, but our immediate focus as a team right now is the game against the Toronto Argonauts,” GM Wally Buono said in a statement. “We have asked Solomon to join us on the sidelines Saturday and we will make him available to the media prior to the game.”

Elimimian was named the CFL’s hardest hitter last year in a poll of the league’s players. He captured the league’s top rookie award in 2010 and helped B.C. win the Grey Cup last season.