The Toronto Argonauts’ load management shuffle is set to continue against the Ottawa Redblacks on Saturday, but starting quarterback Chad Kelly will remain atop the depth chart for a second straight meaningless contest.
Kelly sat out the team’s Week 17 loss to Winnipeg on the road but played three-quarters of a Week 18 victory over Edmonton at home. It is unclear how much time he will see under centre before giving way to Cameron Dukes, who has completed 26-of-42 passes for 307 yards, a touchdown, and an interception this season.
Not seeing action this week is top running back A.J. Ouellette, who will be a healthy scratch for the second time in two weeks. The 28-year-old is just 41 yards shy of the first 1,000-yard rushing season of his career but will give way to Deonta McMahon and Daniel Adeboboye this week.
The change at running back could be prudent due to a shuffling of the offensive line, where right guard Peter Nicastro (neck) and right tackle Dejon Allen (leg) will sit out this week on the one-game injured list. American Trevon Tate will move from left to right tackle with the return of Isiah Cage and Dylan Giffen will take over at guard, with Shane Richards drawing into the lineup to back him up.
Canadian linebacker Jordan Williams (calf) will be unavailable on defence, while defensive end Brandon Barlow and defensive tackle Dewayne Hendrix are both back after being healthy scratches last week. Global defensive back Tigie Sankoh (hamstring) is headed to the one-game injured list and will allow for British linebacker Emmanuel Falola to make his CFL debut. Receiver Jeremiah Haydel has been returned to the practice roster in favour of Canadian Richie Sindani.
The Argos (13-2) will host the Redblacks (4-12) on Saturday, October 14 at 7:00 p.m. EDT. It is the first of two meetings between the clubs this season, both of which will take place after the playoff bracket has already been decided.
There is no available betting line for this game.
