The Toronto Argonauts will have their franchise quarterback back in action when they take on the Ottawa Redblacks on Sunday.
Chad Kelly has officially been named the team’s starting quarterback after working through an ankle injury suffered in the second quarter of last week’s loss to Calgary. The first-year starter had been coy with his status throughout the week but will not miss any time as originally feared.
Kelly has completed 108-of-154 pass attempts for 1,624 yards, nine touchdowns and four interceptions in his second CFL season. He had also carried 19 times for 112 yards and five touchdowns.
The Argos will have a reinforced offensive line to protect their banged-up pivot, as opening week starter Isiah Cage returns to his left tackle position. Centre Darius Ciraco is also back after missing last week for non-football-related reasons, bumping Peter Nicastro back to right guard and Gregor MacKellar out of the starting lineup. Trevon Tate (knee) has been placed on the one-game injured list, while Brayden Noll returns to the practice roster.
Defensively, the team will keep strongside linebacker Adarius Pickett in the lineup despite his hip injury a week ago and will see two other starters return. 2022 CFL all-star Jamal Peters will be back at his boundary corner spot and bump Tarvarus McFadden into a backup role, while Thomas Costigan slots back in at defensive end.
Excellent run-stuffing defensive tackle Jared Brinkman (foot) has been placed on the six-game injured list, while defensive end Brandon Barlow will be a healthy scratch.
The Argos (6-1) are set to host the Redblacks (3-5) on Sunday, August 13 at 7:00 p.m. EDT. They are currently favoured by points.
