The Canadian Football League is adding an eighth official to the Division Final and Grey Cup games, the league announced on Thursday. That official's job will be solely to watch for any hits to the head or neck of a quarterback. 

The change comes after Saskatchewan Roughriders quarterback Brandon Bridge was knocked out of last Sunday's Western Semi-Final after an unpenalized hit to the head by Winnipeg defensive lineman Jackson Jeffcoat.

“It is very important that this sort of potentially dangerous play is penalized on the field in addition to being subject to supplementary discipline. Not only is it important to the integrity of the game, it can act as a deterrent,”  stated CFL commissioner Randy Ambrosie on Thursday.

Jeffcoat was handed a maximum fine this week stemming from the hit on Bridge.

The league discussed the change with all nine teams and the proposal was presented on Wednesday to all four teams remaining in the playoffs.

The eighth official will be able to advise the Head Referee if a blow to the head or neck of the quarterback occurs and a roughing the passer penalty can be issued.

The Calgary Stampeders will host the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the Western Final, while the Ottawa Redblacks host the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in the Eastern Final on Sunday.