The Toronto Argonauts will get a huge boost to their defence this week, as all-CFL linebacker Wynton McManis returns to the lineup.
The six-foot-one, 225-pound native of Memphis, Tenn. has missed Toronto’s last six games due to a groin injury. In the first seven games of the season, he made 33 defensive tackles, two special teams tackles, one sack, one interception, and one touchdown.
McManis is in his sixth CFL season and third with Toronto. The 29-year-old was named a league all-star in each of the last two seasons and helped the Argonauts win the Grey Cup in 2022.
Also returning to the lineup is American defensive tackle Jared Brinkman, who has been out since Week 7 with an ankle injury. The 25-year-old run-stuffer posted nine defensive tackles, two sacks, and a forced fumble in the first six games of the year, but will now rejoin a fearsome interior rotation that includes Jake Ceresna and Ralph Holley.
It’s not all good news for the Boatmen though, as game-breaking returner Janarion Grant (chest) has been placed on the one-game injured list. The 30-year-old currently sits second in the CFL for both kickoff and punt return average and is the consensus favourite to win Most Outstanding Special Teams Player due to his four combined return touchdowns. It is unclear who will handle return duties this week.
Rounding out the changes to the lineup, Global defensive end Thiadric Hansen returns from injury and American defensive back Mark Milton has been added for depth. American linebacker Jonathan Jones (hamstring) has been placed on the six-game injured list, while Canadian defensive back Tyshon Blackburn and American defensive tackle Jordan Williams have been bumped to the practice roster.
The Toronto Argonauts (7-6) will host the Hamilton Tiger-Cats (4-9) on Friday, September 20 at 7:00 p.m. EDT.
