Toronto Argonauts’ head coach Ryan Dinwiddie is not expecting quarterback Chad Kelly to miss an extended period of time with the ankle injury that knocked him out of Friday’s loss to the Calgary Stampeders.
However, the reigning Grey Cup champions aren’t looking to rush back their star player any sooner than necessary.
“I think Chad and (Adarius Pickett) can be back next week. We’ve got a nine-day a week, so attack the rehab there and then we’ve got to be smart,” Dinwiddie said post-game.
“We’ve got a bye week after so maybe it’s time to let him get two weeks to get healthy, get Cam (Dukes) coached up and give him the opportunity to go out there and be successful next week.”
Kelly was four-of-six for 94 yards and a touchdown through nearly two quarters of action in Calgary, before exiting the game with a noticeable limp with five minutes remaining before halftime. He was examined during the intermission and remained available to the team if necessary, but sat out the remainder of the game.
The 29-year-old was regarded by most analysts as the Most Outstanding Player frontrunner entering the week, having completed 104-of-148 attempts for 1,530 yards, eight touchdowns and four interceptions in his first season as the starter. He had also carried 19 times for 112 yards and five touchdowns.
The rookie Dukes took over before the break, going eight-of-15 for 63 yards and an interception the rest of the way. It wouldn’t be enough to stave off a 20-7 upset at the hands of the Stampeders, but Dinwiddie was generally complimentary of his young backup despite being highly critical of the rest of the team.
“I think he did some decent things. The pick, I wish he sort of gave our guy a chance and led on outside there. It’s a shot, it falls incomplete, we kick a field goal there. He missed a few things, but I thought he did some good stuff,” the coach remarked.
“The moment wasn’t too big for him and guys gotta make plays for him. Like I said, the receivers, they gotta get better. I’ll just point at our receivers today.”
Kelly joined the Argonauts ahead of the 2022 season following a four-year stint in the NFL with the Indianapolis Colts and Denver Broncos. He started just one game in his first year, the regular season finale, but rose to national prominence after he came off the bench in the fourth quarter of the Grey Cup to lead Toronto to victory.
Since taking over the starting job from McLeod Bethel-Thompson in the offseason, Kelly has injected renewed energy into the 150-year-old franchise. He led them to their first 6-0 start since 1935, an unblemished record that could only be spoiled when he wasn’t on the field.
The Argonauts (6-1) will have until Sunday, August 13 when they host Ottawa Redblacks to decide on Kelly’s status. If he is at less than full strength, the team may not put him on the field until their rematch with Calgary on Friday, August 25.
