The Toronto Argonauts will rest franchise quarterback Chad Kelly against the Ottawa Redblacks on Saturday, starting Cameron Dukes.
Kelly, who was recently named the team’s Most Outstanding Player, has thrown for 4,123 yards, 23 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions this season and has seen plenty of playing time even after Toronto wrapped up first place in the East Division. The 29-year-old has also carried the ball 41 times for 248 yards and eight touchdowns.
This will be Dukes’ second career start, the first of which came in a 31-21 loss to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers last month. The rookie out of Lindsey Wilson College has thrown for 443 yards, one touchdown, and one interception this season and carried the ball 27 times for 87 yards and eight touchdowns.
Several key veterans will rest for the Argos on Saturday, including A.J. Ouellette, DaVaris Daniels, Damonte Coxie, Dewayne Hendrix, Wynton McManis, Qwan’tez Stiggers, and Tarvarus McFadden. Daniel Adeboboye will start at running back, while Carlton Agudosi will start at wide receiver after recently joining the team following a three-year stint with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
Toronto and Ottawa have met twice this year with the Argonauts winning both meetings, the most recent of which occurred earlier this month. This will be Toronto’s sixth consecutive game without any impact on the standings since clinching first place in the East Division in mid-September.
The Argos (15-2) will visit the Ottawa Redblacks (4-13) on Saturday, Oct. 28 with kickoff slated for 7:00 p.m. EDT.
