The Toronto Argonauts appear to have made a switch at the quarterback position for Friday’s rematch with the Calgary Stampeders.
Nick Arbuckle has been listed as the starter on the team’s official depth chart, making his first start of the year despite coming off the bench in relief on several occasions. He has completed 24-of-42 passes this season for 240 yards, one touchdown, and one interception.
The 30-year-old began his career in Calgary in 2018 and started seven games in 2019, throwing for 2,103 yards with 11 touchdowns and five interceptions with a completion percentage north of 73 percent. That remains the best season of his career as he has suited up in 74 career games with Calgary, Toronto, Edmonton, and Ottawa, throwing for 7,398 yards, 24 touchdowns, and 30 interceptions.
Cameron Dukes, who has started the prior eight games this season for the Argos, is listed as a game-time decision with a leg injury. The second-year pivot has completed 137-of-190 passes for 1,398 yards, seven touchdowns, and six interceptions, while rushing for 294 yards and three majors.
The Argonauts await word on the status of their franchise quarterback, Chad Kelly, after this game, which will mark the ninth game of his suspension for violating the CFL’s gender-based violence policy. Though the punishment could be extended, the league’s initial verdict was that the reigning M.O.P could return after nine games if he completed mandatory counselling and passed an evaluation by an independent expert.
Whoever is at quarterback will be without right guard Gregor MacKellar (toe) after he was placed on the six-game injured list. Rookie Anthony Vandal, a 2023 eighth-round pick, will make his first career start as a replacement with veteran Dylan Giffen dressing for depth. Backup Canadian running back Daniel Adeboboye (groin) will be a game-time decision.
Starting Canadian weakside linebacker Fraser Sopik (shoulder) will also be a game-time decision, with American backup Isaac Darkangelo coming onto the roster as insurance. Canadian defensive back Tunde Adeleke will also make his Argonauts debut, replacing American Mark Milton.
The Toronto Argonauts (4-4) will host the Calgary Stampeders (4-4) on Friday, August 9 at 7:30 p.m. EDT.
