Ottawa Redblacks rule out Justin Hardy amid six roster changes

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The Ottawa Redblacks will be without veteran receiver Justin Hardy when they face the Toronto Argonauts on Friday. The team issued its official depth chart on Thursday.

The 34-year-old target has been Ottawa’s most effective offensive weapon this season, catching 89 passes for 1,123 yards and six touchdowns. It has marked his fourth consecutive 1,000-yard season in five years with the club.

Hardy was limited in practice on Wednesday with a leg injury. He will be replaced in the starting lineup by Grant DuBose. The former seventh-round NFL draft pick has yet to appear in a CFL game, but recorded two receptions for 11 yards as a member of the Miami Dolphins in 2024.

As has been previously reported, rookie quarterback Bryson Barnes will also make his first career CFL start this week, surpassing McLeod Bethel-Thompson on the depth chart. The 25-year-old has completed 10-of-13 passes for 110 yards this season, while also rushing 41 times for 95 yards and nine touchdowns.

Right tackle Zach Barlev (arm) and backup running back Mario Anderson Jr. (head) will both sit out this game due to injuries. Julian Pearl will take over up front, with veteran Canadian offensive lineman Eric Starczala dressing as insurance. Ricky Person Jr. will debut as the backup behind Daniel Adeboboye in the backfield.

On the other side of the ball, defensive end Jessie Evans (ankle) will be unavailable this week, as will rookie Canadian backup Charlie Parks (elbow). Kyron Johnson will take over the starting role, with C.J. Nunnally IV and Dennis Briggs Jr. dressing as part of the defensive line rotation.

The Ottawa Redblacks (0-16) will host the Toronto Argonauts (9-7) on Friday, October 16, with kickoff scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET. The Argonauts are coming off a bye, while the Redblacks suffered yet another loss at the hands of the B.C. Lions.

The game will be broadcast on TSN in Canada and CFL+ internationally. Radio listeners can tune in on TSN 1050 in Toronto or TSN 1200 in Ottawa.

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