Toronto Argonauts short top special teams ace for East Semi-Final

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The Toronto Argonauts appear to be a picture of health ahead of their East Semi-Final matchup with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

As expected, starting quarterback Chad Kelly will celebrate his new $5.5 million payday in style and make his return to the lineup after missing the regular-season finale with a knee injury. The 32-year-old has not been limited in practice this week and is reportedly at full strength.

While Canadian rookie Isaiah Smith is listed as the starter in the backfield, Cameron Porter will also be back in the fold and is expected to see significant reps. The Northwestern product appeared in just one game for the Argos, carrying the ball seven times for 31 yards and a touchdown. Fullback Jack Cassar will also be available this week.

 

The biggest changes will come on defence and special teams. Derek Slywka, the team’s top special teamer with 19 tackles in that phase, will sit out with a shoulder injury suffered last week. The second-year man had also been a frequent rotational contributor on defence, making 37 defensive tackles, a sack, and two forced fumbles. The recently acquired Vi Jones will provide depth and insurance.

Dathan Hickey will get the start at field cornerback after suiting up in four previous contests, making five total tackles and a pass breakup. Louis-Philippe Gauthier is listed as a backup and Nic Toomer has been returned to the practice roster.

Receiver Dymere Miller and offensive lineman Brandon Kemp will begin the postseason on the reserve roster. In addition to Slywka, receivers Nolan Ulm and Jake Herslow, as well as defensive lineman Ali Fayad are on the one-game injured list.

The Toronto Argonauts (9-9) will host the Winnipeg Blue Bombers (9-9) for the East Semi-Final at BMO Field on Saturday, October 31, with kickoff scheduled for 1:00 p.m. ET. The teams met twice during the regular season and split the meetings 1-1.

The game will be broadcast on TSN and RDS in Canada and CFL+ internationally. Radio listeners can tune in on 680 CJOB in Winnipeg and TSN 1050 in Toronto.