The Toronto Argonauts will have Canadian linebacker Jordan Williams back in the lineup when they face the Saskatchewan Roughriders on Saturday in Touchdown Atlantic, but not in the role he has become accustomed to.
The former first-overall pick of the B.C. Lions started the first two games of the season at middle linebacker for Toronto after being acquired via trade in the offseason, making eight tackles. He has since missed the past three games with a knee injury and will now reenter the lineup as a backup.
American Jonathan Jones has thrived in the starting role since taking over, amassing 21 defensive tackles, three special teams tackles, two sacks, and an interception. Williams is still expected to see considerable playing time in certain defensive packages, with veteran Canadian Henoc Muamba still out long-term with a knee injury.
Also returning to the field in Halifax will be defensive tackle Shawn Oakman, who was named a healthy scratch for the second time this season last week.
Oakman has been named an East Division all-star in each of the past two seasons, earning league honours in 2021. In three games this year, he has collected five tackles and a sack, bringing his career totals to 69 tackles and 13 sacks.
Toronto appears to have finally figured out a way to dress their full complement of American defensive tackles with Oakman listed behind Dewayne Hendrix and Jared Brinkman on the depth chart. Unfortunately, the move comes at the expense of defensive back Tarvarus McFadden, who will be a healthy scratch instead.
The only other change for the Argos comes on special teams, where backup Canadian running back and kick coverage ace Daniel Adeboboye (hamstring) has been moved to the six-game injured list.
