Chad Kelly not expected to miss time for Toronto Argonauts: report

Photo courtesy: Jeff Vinnick/B.C. Lions

It appears Chad Kelly’s neck injury isn’t as bad as initially feared.

The veteran quarterback isn’t expected to miss any time for the Toronto Argonauts, TSN’s Dave Naylor reported on Monday, though he’ll undergo more testing during the team’s bye week.

The 32-year-old left the club’s 26-12 win over the B.C. Lions shortly before halftime on Saturday night. The injury occurred when Kelly slid and was struck by linebackers Darnell Sankey and Parker McKenna.

Sankey’s shoulder made contact with the side of Kelly’s head, bending his neck awkwardly. Kelly clutched his helmet after the play before receiving attention from athletic trainers.

Sankey was penalized for roughing the passer. He later defended himself, telling 3DownNation that it wasn’t his intention to injure anybody.

Kelly completed 15-of-18 pass attempts for 197 yards and two touchdowns prior to suffering the injury.

The native of Buffalo, N.Y. is 3-4 as a starter this season, throwing for 2,323 yards, 17 touchdowns, and nine interceptions over seven regular-season games.

Nick Arbuckle took over the controls in Kelly’s place under centre and completed 13-of-20 pass attempts for 134 yards in a relief effort.

The Toronto Argonauts (3-4) are entering their second of three bye weeks.