Toronto Argonauts defender Robert Priester out for season with torn Achilles

Photo: Raphael Williams-Claudio/RWC Photography/3DownNation. All rights reserved.

Toronto Argonauts defensive back Robert Priester has suffered a torn Achilles, ending his 2026 season. He made the announcement on his Instagram page.

The 32-year-old started the team’s first two regular-season games at safety, recording one defensive tackle. He suffered the injury partway through the club’s Week 3 victory over the Ottawa Redblacks.

“To my family, teammates, medical staff, and the Toronto Argonauts organization and coaching staff, I love and appreciate each and every one of you from the top to bottom of my heart,” wrote Priester in a statement.

“Thank you for believing in me and giving me an opportunity to showcase my talent once again. We have more work to do, let’s pull together and get it done in 2026.”

The native of Tampa, Fla. has played 47 career regular-season CFL games as a member of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, Argonauts, and Redblacks, recording 94 defensive tackles, eight special teams tackles, four forced fumbles, two sacks, and two interceptions.

According to Toronto’s official injury report, which was published on Wednesday afternoon, defensive lineman DeWayne Hendrix and defensive back Ethan John have been ruled out for Week 4. Kevin Mital, who was limited in practice on Tuesday with a calf injury, is available.

The Toronto Argonauts (1-1) will visit the Saskatchewan Roughriders (2-0) at Mosaic Stadium on Friday, June 26 with kickoff scheduled for 9:00 p.m. EDT. The Argonauts are coming off a 44-24 win over the Ottawa Redblacks, while the Roughriders beat the Calgary Stampeders in overtime.

The weather forecast in Regina calls for a high of 25 degrees and sun. The game will be broadcast on TSN in Canada, CBS Sports Network in the United States, and CFL+ internationally. Radio listeners can tune in on TSN 1050 in Toronto or 620 CKRM in Regina.

Editor’s note: Priester’s statement was lightly edited for clarity.