The defending Grey Cup champion Toronto Argonauts will debut their revamped roster on Sunday against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats but will be without one of their defensive leaders despite a Week 1 bye.
Linebacker Henoc Muamba will begin the season on the six-game injured list while dealing with a knee issue. The 34-year-old recorded three tackles, one tackle for loss, one pass knockdown, and a key late-game interception in the 109th Grey Cup, becoming just the second player ever to win both Most Valuable Player and Most Valuable Canadian honours.
In 135 career games with Toronto, Montreal, Saskatchewan, and Winnipeg, Muamba has amassed 688 total tackles, 17 sacks, and eight interceptions, earning three East Division all-star selections and winning Most Outstanding Canadian in 2017. He will be replaced in Toronto’s lineup by 2021 Most Outstanding Rookie winner Jordan Williams, who was acquired via trade from the B.C. Lions this offseason.
Other notable names set to miss the start of the season after being placed on the six-game injured list include receiver Markeith Ambles (ankle) and Tommy Nield (head); defensive backs Josh Haggerty (hand) and Maurice Carnell IV (undisclosed); and offensive linemen Dariusz Bladek (undisclosed) and Shane Richards (ankle). Defensive tackle Dewayne Hendrix (ankle), defensive back Robert Priester (ankle), and offensive lineman Trevon Tate (knee) have all been moved to the one-game injured list.
CFL all-star cornerback Jamal Peters, who returned to the team early this week after being released by the Atlanta Falcons, will begin the year as a healthy scratch, as will defensive tackle Sam Acheampong. In Peters’ absence, 21-year-old rookie Qwan’tez Stiggers — the youngest player on Toronto’s roster — will earn his first start at boundary corner.
Other prominent names making their anticipated Argos debuts after joining the team in free agency include defensive ends Folarin Orimolade and Thomas Costigan, strong-side linebacker Adarius Pickett, and centre Darius Ciraco. Quarterback Chad Kelly will be making his second career start after being handed the job following McLeod Bethel-Thompson’s departure this offseason.
The Argonauts (0-0) are slated to host the Ticats (0-1) at BMO Field in Toronto at 7:00 p.m. EDT on Sunday, June 18. They will be hoisting the 18th championship banner in franchise history before the game.
