Chad Kelly making return to the field in Toronto Argonauts’ preseason clash with Ticats

Photo courtesy: Toronto Argonauts

Chad Kelly will make his long-awaited return to the field in the Toronto Argonauts’ preseason opener against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats on Saturday.

Kelly last saw action in the 2024 Eastern Final, where he suffered a broken tibia and fibula. That injury required surgery and intensive rehab, with the QB’s health becoming one of the major storylines of the 2025 season.

Despite optimism that he could return to the lineup early in the campaign, Toronto never cleared Kelly for contact practices, and he spent considerable time away from the facility in order to work with his own trainer in Buffalo. The 32-year-old teased a comeback on social media in Week 15, but the Argos elected not to put him at risk and instead shut him down for the remainder of the year.

After being sidelined for close to 18 months, the former Most Outstanding Player is listed as part of the starting unit for this exhibition contest. Nick Arbuckle, Tucker Horn, and Anthony Guercio are the other quarterbacks on the roster.

Mike Miller’s first game as head coach features much of the team’s projected starting lineup, including debuts for offseason acquisitions DaShaun Amos, Robert Priester, Adarius Pickett, Jonathan Kongbo, and Dakoda Shepley, as well as the return of defensive tackle Ralph Holley from the NFL. However, the first unit also includes some newcomers and surprises.

Rookie Anthony Wilson is being given the nod at safety, with 2025 standout Derek Slywka being listed as backup strongside linebacker. 2025 Global draft pick Sione Toia will play alongside Holley at defensive tackle. Special teams standout and backup linebacker Jack Cassar has also been moved to fullback, though it is unclear if that is permanent.

On the other side of the ball, Desmond Bland is getting the first crack at left tackle, while Rush Reimer will audition at right tackle. Qualan Jones will get the start in the open running back competition, while youngsters Tyler Kahmann and Dimitri Stanley are listed with the first-team receivers.

Notable players not dressing for this game include receivers Jake Herslow and Makai Polk, defensive tackle DeWayne Hendrix, defensive end Jeremiah Ojo, and offensive lineman Anim Dankwah.

The Argos will visit the Ticats at Hamilton Stadium on Saturday, May 23. Kickoff is slated for 4:00 p.m. EDT and will be broadcast on TSN.