The Toronto Argonauts’ vaunted rushing attack will have a very different look when they face the Hamilton Tiger-Cats on Saturday.
With first place in the East Division already clinched, Toronto has listed star running back A.J. Ouellette as a healthy scratch. The 28-year-old bellcow currently sits third in the CFL with 153 carries for 868 yards and seven touchdowns, while adding 15 receptions for 137 yards and another score.
The team’s regular backup, future Hall of Famer Andrew Harris, will not be on the field either and has been placed on the six-game injured list with a knee issue. Through 12 games of what is supposed to be his final CFL season, Harris has chipped in 229 yards and two touchdowns on 48 carries while catching 10 passes for 89 yards and another major.
Rookie Deonta McMahon will get the starting nod in his second career game. The McNeese State product rushed twice for 30 yards last week. He is expected to be regularly spelled off by Canadian special teams standout Daniel Adeboboye.
Also out of the lineup this week will be left tackle Isiah Cage (hamstring), who has been placed on the one-game injured list. Veteran swing tackle Trevon Tate will take his spot.
Toronto will also get their first look at American rookie Rajae’ Johnson in the receiving corps, as the Troy product bumps Canadian Tommy Nield out of the starting lineup. Defensively, Canadian linebacker Daniel Kwamou will dress in a depth role.
The Argos (11-1) will host the Ticats (6-7) on Saturday, September 23 at 7:00 p.m. EDT. This is the fourth and final meeting between the two teams this season, with Toronto securing double-digit victories in all previous games.
