Argos’ RB Andrew Harris returns for East Final

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Future Hall of Fame running back Andrew Harris is set to make his return to the Toronto Argonauts’ lineup in the Eastern Final for the second consecutive season.

The 36-year-old ball carrier has been out of the lineup with a knee injury since Week 16. He contributed 48 carries for 229 yards and two touchdowns while catching 10 passes for 89 yards and another major in 12 games before the injury.

In 2022, Harris missed 10 games with a torn pectoral muscle but made a miraculous return for the East Final. He scored the opening touchdown in that game and went on to help Toronto capture the 109th Grey Cup — Harris’ third consecutive championship.

The Winnipeg native is the first Canadian in CFL history to rush for more than 10,000 career yards, sitting fifth in all-time rushing and fourth in all-time yards from scrimmage. He has played a complementary role this year, announcing before the season that this would be his final CFL campaign.

The bulk of the Argos’ workload will be handled by thousand-yard back A.J. Ouellette, who should be well-rested after taking alternating weeks off down the stretch. Fellow American Deonta McMahon will be bumped off the roster, while Canadian Daniel Adeboboye is out for the remainder of the year with an ankle injury.

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After resting many of them two weeks ago, Toronto will have their full contingent of starters back in the lineup. Linebacker Wynton McManis, defensive tackle DeWayne Hendrix, halfback Tarvarus McFadden, and cornerback Tarvarus McFadden all return on the defensive side of the ball, while Davaris Daniels and Damonte Coxie will be back in their familiar spots in the receiving corps.

In a surprise move, all-star halfback Robertson Daniel remains out with an ankle injury despite practicing fully all week. Fellow defensive back Robert Priester (groin) joins him on the shelf. Canadian linebacker Brian Harelimana, who was signed this week after being released by the Saskatchewan Roughriders, will make his debut.

Healthy but not playing this week are defensive back Daniel Valente, defensive end Thomas Costigan, defensive tackles Tyler Williams and Deionte Knight, and receivers Carlton Agudosi and Jeremiah Haydel.

The Argonauts (16-2) will host the Montreal Alouettes (11-7) in the Eastern Final on Saturday, November 11 at 3:00 p.m. EST. Toronto swept all three meetings between the teams in the regular season.