Jordan Williams will not get the chance to face his former team on Monday, as the Toronto Argonauts’ Canadian middle linebacker has been placed on the one-game injured list with a knee injury.
Williams was drafted first overall by the B.C. Lions in the 2020 CFL Draft and enjoyed two productive seasons with the club, winning Most Outstanding Rookies in 2021. He was traded to Toronto this offseason in exchange for a first-round pick and has started each of the first two games in place of an injured Henoc Muamba, collecting eight tackles.
The 28-year-old’s absence will prompt a slight tweak to the ratio, as he will be replaced by American Jonathan Jones. Canadian defensive end Robbie Smith will draw the start at defensive end but can be rotated out for up to 21 snaps by veteran Folarin Orimolade, who has been given nationalized American status.
Also placed on the one-game was starting left tackle Isaiah Cage (thigh). He will be replaced by Trevon Tate, who has started four games for the club in each of the past two seasons.
On a positive note, the Argos will get some substantial talent back in the lineup after a one-week absence. All-star Canadian receiver Kurleigh Gittens Jr. has been cleared with a hamstring injury, and hulking defensive tackle Shawn Oakman returns after a mysterious healthy scratch. The same can be said for return specialist Javon Leake, while centre Darius Ciraco will dress in a backup capacity after being a game-time decision against Edmonton.
Also drawing into the lineup in depth roles will be American defensive back Qwan’tez Stiggers, Canadian fullback Brandon Calver, and Canadian linebacker Daniel Kwamou. Backup safety Eric Sutton (knee) has been added to the one-game injured list, while defensive linemen Jared Brinkman, Sam Acheampong, and Brandon Barlow will all be healthy scratches. Receiver B.J. Byrd and offensive lineman Braydon Noll have returned to the practice roster.
The Argos (2-0) will host the Lions (3-0) on Monday, July 3 with kickoff scheduled for 7:00 p.m. EDT. The winner will be the CFL’s last remaining undefeated team, with Toronto currently listed as point underdogs.
