Latest news with #ChadKelly
National Post
11 hours ago
- Sport
- National Post
QB Kelly out again as Arbuckle starts third straight game for banged-up Argos
Chad Kelly will have plenty of company on the Toronto Argonauts sideline Friday night. Article content Kelly will miss a third straight start when Toronto (0-2) hosts the Saskatchewan Roughriders (2-0). The 2023 CFL outstanding player continues to recover from a leg injury suffered in last year's East Division final. Article content Article content Ditto for receiver/returner Janarion Grant (ankle), the 2024 CFL top special teams player last season, who also has yet to play this year. Article content Joining them among Toronto's walking wounded will be linebackers Wynton McManis (knee) and Jack Cassar (adductor), running back Deonta McMahon (ankle), receiver DaVaris Daniels (hip), defensive lineman Demarcus Christmas (Achilles) and offensive linemen Sage Doxtater (knee), Dylan Giffen (back) and Darius Ciraco (foot). Article content On Thursday, Toronto re-signed Canadian fullback Brandon Calver, who spent the last four seasons with the club. He'll start on offence Friday and also play special teams. Article content Still, it's hardly an ideal scenario for a Toronto team looking to avoid its first 0-3 start since 2019. Article content 'Sometimes the injury bug hits you but we have no excuses,' said Toronto head coach Ryan Dinwiddie. 'It's next man up. Article content 'It's professional sports … you have to find a way to overcome it.' Article content Saskatchewan receiver Sam Emilus (foot) won't play but Canadian running back Thomas Bertrand-Hudon returns to back up former Argo A.J. Ouellette. Sophomore receiver Joe Robustelli is also back and starts. Article content Ka'Deem Carey won't face his former team. Carey, who ran for 1,060 yards last year in helping Toronto win the Grey Cup, joined Saskatchewan after being among the Argos' final cuts but won't dress Friday. Article content Article content Jake Herslow starts at slotback for Toronto while Canadian Ryan Hunter, the CFL's top lineman last year, moves from right tackle to left guard. American Hampton Ergle starts at tackle. Article content 'He (Williams) showed his physicality breaking through some tackles and getting to the second level,' Dinwiddie said. 'I think he's used to the U.S. game where it's more downhill but you've got to be a bit more patient (in the CFL) and set up some blocks and I think he's getting there.'
Globe and Mail
13 hours ago
- Sport
- Globe and Mail
Banged up Argos seek first win against undefeated Riders
Chad Kelly will have plenty of company on the Toronto Argonauts sideline Friday night. Kelly will miss a third straight start when Toronto (0-2) hosts the Saskatchewan Roughriders (2-0). The 2023 CFL outstanding player continues to recover from a leg injury suffered in last year's East Division final. Ditto for receiver/returner Janarion Grant (ankle), the 2024 CFL top special-teams player last season, who also has yet to play this year. Joining them among Toronto's walking wounded will be linebackers Wynton McManis (knee) and Jack Cassar (adductor), running back Deonta McMahon (ankle), receiver DaVaris Daniels (hip), defensive lineman Demarcus Christmas (Achilles) and offensive linemen Sage Doxtater (knee), Dylan Giffen (back) and Darius Ciraco (foot). On Thursday, Toronto re-signed Canadian fullback Brandon Calver, who spent the last four seasons with the club. He'll start on offence Friday and also play special teams. Still, it's hardly an ideal scenario for a Toronto team looking to avoid its first 0-3 start since 2019. 'Sometimes the injury bug hits you but we have no excuses,' said Toronto head coach Ryan Dinwiddie. 'It's next man up. 'It's professional sports ... you have to find a way to overcome it.' Saskatchewan receiver Sam Emilus (foot) won't play but Canadian running back Thomas Bertrand-Hudon returns to back up former Argo A.J. Ouellette. Sophomore receiver Joe Robustelli is also back and starts. Ka'Deem Carey won't face his former team. Carey, who ran for 1,060 yards last year in helping Toronto win the Grey Cup, joined Saskatchewan after being among the Argos final cuts but won't dress Friday. Jake Herslow starts at slotback for Toronto while Canadian Ryan Hunter, the CFL's top lineman last year, moves from right tackle to left guard. American Hampton Ergle starts at tackle. Rookie running back Miyan Williams makes his first CFL start with Toronto. The five-foot-eight, 237-pound former Ohio State Buckeye ran for 62 yards on nine carries in last week's 29-19 home loss to Calgary while adding nine catches for 65 yards after replacing McMahon. But when Williams entered last week's game, he was the last running back on Toronto's roster, which somewhat handcuffed Dinwiddie, who's also Toronto's offensive coordinator. Running back Kevin Brown was signed this week, which should give Dinwiddie more play-calling flexibility. 'He (Williams) showed his physicality breaking through some tackles and getting to the second level,' Dinwiddie said. 'I think he's used to the U.S. game where it's more downhill but you've got to be a bit more patient (in the CFL) and set up some blocks and I think he's getting there.' Williams downplayed the notion that being thrust into last week's game was difficult for him. 'It's not hard if you mentally prepare yourself to just be ready for whatever happens,' he said. 'It (Friday night) is just another game I've got to prepare for so I don't treat it differently than any other.' Veteran Nick Arbuckle makes a third straight start for Toronto. While the '24 Grey Cup MVP has a 68.9 completion percentage and is third overall in passing yards (582), he has more interceptions (four) than TDs (two). 'Just manage the game,' Dinwiddie said regarding what he wants to see from Arbuckle on Friday. 'You don't have to be a superhero, just master the plan.' Toronto has committed five turnovers (tied for last overall) while having recorded a CFL-low one turnover. Isaac Darkangelo replaces McManis at middle linebacker while defensive lineman Anthony Lanier III faces his former team. Lanier III played four seasons with Saskatchewan before signing with Toronto after not being offered an extension by the Riders. Saskatchewan comes off a 28-23 road win over Hamilton last week. Veteran Trevor Harris was 26-of-37 passing for 294 yards with a TD and an interception while KeeSean Johnson had eight catches for 128 yards and a touchdown. Ouellette was also a factor, rushing for 96 yards and a TD on 13 carries. But veteran kicker Brett Lauther missed three of five field goals and a convert. Linebacker Jameer Thurman (CFL-high 17 defensive plays) anchors a Riders defence that also includes defensive back Rolan Milligan Jr., the 2024 CFL top defensive player who had an interception last week. 'Offensively, I think they've kind of got it going,' Dinwiddie said. 'They'll take some shots but at the same time they'll move downfield and Trevor does a really good job of managing the game. 'If you look at their defence, they're pretty darn good. They're going to make us earn it with completions and not give us any deep shots so we've got to make sure we're not in second-and-long. We've got to win first down.'
CTV News
05-06-2025
- Business
- CTV News
New-look Toronto Argonauts squad to kick off '25 season in Montreal
Toronto Argonauts head coach Ryan Dinwiddie smiles during a team walk-through ahead of the 111th CFL Grey Cup, in Vancouver, on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck TORONTO — The Toronto Argonauts squad head coach Ryan Dinwiddie led to a 2024 Grey Cup win will be vastly different than the one tasked with defending the title. Toronto visits the Montreal Alouettes on Friday in the season opener for both teams. But the Argos will be minus seven defensive starters, along with quarterback Chad Kelly and rushing leader Ka'Deem Carey. 'I see a new group coming together and building its identity,' Dinwiddie said. 'I feel like the new pieces really fit in well and even the young rookies fit into the culture and understand what it is. 'I think we're definitely capable of being a playoff team and making a run at the end, but we've obviously got to prove that.' Defensive linemen Jake Ceresna and Robbie Smith (both in Edmonton), Ralph Holley (Cleveland, NFL) and Folarin Orimolade (trade, Calgary), linebacker Tunde Adeleke (Ottawa, then retired) and defensive backs Royce Metchie (Edmonton) and DaShaun Amos (Hamilton) are all gone. Ditto for Carey, who was released last weekend after rushing for 1,060 yards and seven TDs last season, his first with Toronto. For the second straight year, Toronto is opening the season with Kelly, the CFL's 2023 outstanding player. Kelly, 31, suffered a fractured tibia and fibula in last year's 30-28 East Division final win over Montreal that required surgery and was only cleared to practise late last week. Veteran Nick Arbuckle will start in Montreal. Arbuckle got the nod for Toronto's Grey Cup showdown versus Winnipeg, passing for 252 yards and two TDs in securing MVP honours in the Argos' 41-24 victory. Last season, Kelly missed the entire exhibition campaign and Toronto's first nine regular-season contests after being suspended by the CFL for violating its gender-based violence policy. The Argos went 5-4 under Cam Dukes (4-4) and Arbuckle (1-0) before Kelly was reinstated and finished with a 10-8 record to stand second in the East Division. Toronto also released Dukes last weekend. Arbuckle will have a veteran receiving corps with DaVaris Daniels, Damonte Coxie, Dejon Brissett (top Canadian in Grey Cup) and David Ungerer III. But Makai Polk (61 catches, 1,024 yards, five TDs) is now an Atlanta Falcon. Deonta McMahon (288 rushing yards, six-yard average, 30 catches, 237 yards, TD) replaces Carey at halfback. The offensive line will again be solid, anchored by Canadian tackle Ryan Hunter, the CFL's top lineman last year, who moves to the right side this season. Towering Sage Doxtater (6-7, 343 pounds) starts at left guard after joining the Argos late last season. Sophomore defensive end Derek Parish (six sacks last season) starts on the defensive line, Veteran Anthony Lanier II (free agent, Saskatchewan) and rookie Jeremiah Ojo ('25 first-round pick) should both get chances to play. Veteran middle linebacker Wynton McManis returns and will be flanked by Canadian Cam Judge (trade, Calgary). And although Amos and Metchie are gone, cornerbacks Tarvarus McFadden and Beniie Franklin and halfback Mark Milton remain in the secondary. Veteran kicker Lirim Hajrullahu and punter John Haggerty are also back. The return game is handled capably by Janarion Grant, the CFL's top special-teams player last season, who will miss the season opener due to injury. 'Our guys all know what the expectation is,' Dinwiddie said. 'I don't care how many guys are new or how many guys we've lost, no one cares about that. 'We've got to understand it's going to be a tough season, we're going to have some ups and downs just like you always do. It's a new chapter, a new season, and now we've got to go earn it.' Since 2022, Toronto is 7-2 versus Montreal in the regular season but Montreal holds the overall edge (112-99-3). Dinwiddie, entering his fifth season as Argos head coach, is 26-10 versus division rivals. Montreal head coach Jason Maas is 13-5 within the East Division. 2024 record: 10-8, second, East Division. Did you know?: Toronto's affable GM Mike (Pinball) Clemons is 8-0 in the Grey Cup as a player, coach and administrator since joining the franchise in 1989. Key additions: DL Antony Lanier Lanier II (Saskatchewan), LB Cameron Judge (Calgary). Key losses: DLs Jake Ceresna (Edmonton), Robbie Smith (Edmonton), Ralph Holley (Cleveland, NFL), Folarin Orimolade (Calgary) and Jared Brinkman (Edmonton), DBs DaShaun Amos (Hamilton) and Royce Metchie (Edmonton), linebacker Tunde Adeleke (Ottawa, then retired), WR Makai Polk (Atlanta, NFL), RB Ka'Deem Carey (released) and QB Cam Dukes (released). Players to watch: RB Deonta McMahon, WRs DaVaris Daniels, Damonte Coxie and Dejon Brissett, LB Wynton McManis, KR-WR Janarion Grant, K Lirim Hajrullahu. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 5, 2025. Dan Ralph, The Canadian Press
National Post
05-06-2025
- Entertainment
- National Post
SIMMONS: Argos remain the Toronto team everyone should want to equal
When the Maple Leafs were winning four Stanley Cups in the 1960s — the glory days — the Argos were winning absolutely nothing. Article content The CFL was a nine-team league and the NHL had six teams the time. Article content Article content The Leafs were the standard for Toronto sport while the Argos once went 31 years between titles. Article content But, over time, all that has changed, as has just about everything with the Argos. Article content They are the defending Grey Cup champions. The win last November was the second for head coach Ryan Dinwiddie in just four years on the job. It was the fifth Grey Cup win for the Argos since 2004. Article content That's five wins in the past 20 seasons. Article content This has been the hottest team in Toronto for a lot of our lives, no matter how old you are, the team we want the Leafs and Raptors and Blue Jays to mirror — but somehow that's just not possible. Article content The newest Argos season begins Friday night in Montreal and, if there is any consternation over the season opener, it's not heard in many places. Article content The star quarterback, the controversial figure that is Chad Kelly, isn't healthy enough to start Week 1. The star running back of a year ago, Ka'Deem Carey, the thousand-yard rusher, was let go at the end of camp in a surprising transaction. Two stars from the defensive line, Ralph Holley and Robbie Smith, have gone elsewhere for more money, Holley to try and land a job in Cleveland, Smith went to Edmonton and all but doubled his Toronto salary. Article content And yet coach Dinwiddie likes the roster he has to begin the season, figures these Argos are good enough to make the playoffs, could be back in the Grey Cup again, isn't ruling anything out. And why should he? Article content Article content Dinwiddie isn't easy to define. He doesn't have the head football coaching kind of presence that a Don Matthews had. He doesn't have the folksy way about him that a Marv Levy had in Buffalo. There isn't anything about him that particularly stands out except his resume. Article content That alone should make him a legend for all time in Toronto. Leo Cahill never won anything and talked a great game and remains legendary with those old enough to have been around when he mattered as Argos coach. Matthews won two Grey Cups in two seasons in one of his stints coaching the Argos and had Doug Flutie as his quarterback in those years. He'll always be remembered for that. Article content Dinwiddie has two Grey Cups — probably should have three — and he won while starting at quarterback with Macleod Bethel-Thompson in one game and career backup Nick Arbuckle in the other.
CTV News
03-06-2025
- Business
- CTV News
Majority of CFL teams have veteran experience at quarterback position
Toronto Argonauts quarterback Nick Arbuckle (4) hoists the Grey Cup after defeating the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the 111th Grey Cup in Vancouver, B.C., Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Frank Gunn Nick Arbuckle is again proving the importance of quarterback depth in the CFL. Arbuckle is expected to be the starter Friday night when the Grey Cup-champion Toronto Argonauts visit the Montreal Alouettes. Incumbent Chad Kelly suffered a serious leg injury in last year's East Division final and was only recently cleared to practise. Kelly required surgery for a fractured tibia and fibula that occurred in Toronto's 30-28 win over Montreal. That thrust Arbuckle into Toronto's starting lineup for its Grey Cup showdown with Winnipeg and the veteran responded by earning MVP honours after passing for 252 yards and two TDs in the Argos' 41-24 victory. Kelly, the CFL's 2023 outstanding player, missed Toronto's entire pre-season and first nine regular-season games last year after being suspended by the league for violating its gender-based violence policy. Toronto went 5-4 before Kelly was reinstated with Cameron Dukes (4-4) and Arbuckle (1-0) under centre. Dukes was among the Argos' final cuts last weekend. Kelly has a stellar 20-5 record as a CFL starter, while Arbuckle has also made 25 career starts (10-15). But this development further illustrates the importance of quarterback depth for CFL teams. And it's a lesson many have taken to heart, as eight of the nine clubs have experienced backups on their roster. On Friday night, Davis Alexander will begin his first full season as Montreal's starter. But backing him up will be veteran McLeod Bethel-Thompson, a two-time Grey Cup champion with Toronto (2017, '22) who started last season with Edmonton. Alexander, 26, was 4-0 last season for Montreal when veteran Cody Fajardo was injured. But he's entering just his fourth CFL season and first as the Als' starter. Bethel-Thompson has 60 career CFL starts under his belt (27-33). And in '22, he led the CFL in passing yards (4,731) and TDs (23) as Toronto went on to capture the Grey Cup. Dru Brown begins his second season as Ottawa's starter and sports a 10-7-1 record. Dustin Crum and Tyrie Adams are both behind him, each having started for the Redblacks, although Adams suffered a season-ending knee injury in his first — and only — CFL start in 2023. Hamilton's Bo Levi Mitchell returns after leading the CFL in passing (5,451 yards) and TDs (32) last year. When the Tiger-Cats open their season visiting the Calgary Stampeders on Saturday, Mitchell, 35, will look to become the fastest player in league history to earn 100 career regular-season wins. A win in Calgary would come in Mitchell's 141st career start, ahead of Hall of Famers Ron Lancaster (149) and Tracy Ham (151). Injuries limited Mitchell to six games in 2023, when rookie Taylor Powell made nine starts and added another last year. Nathan Rourke begins the season as B.C.'s starter. The CFL's top Canadian in 2022 rejoined the Lions last year after NFL stints with Jacksonville, New England, the New York Giants and Atlanta, splitting time with veteran Vernon Adams Jr. B.C. dealt Adams Jr. to Calgary, then signed veteran Jeremiah Masoli, who has made 59 career CFL starts (28-31). Tre Ford, 27, begins his first full season as Edmonton's starter. The 2021 Hec Crighton Trophy winner from Niagara Falls, Ont., signed a three-year extension with the Elks after posting a 9-9 record since being taken in the first round of the 2022 CFL draft by the club. Edmonton dealt Bethel-Thompson's rights to Montreal for the rights to Fajardo, the 2023 Grey Cup MVP. Fajardo, 33, is younger than Bethel-Thompson (36) and sports a tidy 43-29-1 record as a CFL starter. Adams Jr. will be tasked with returning Calgary to the CFL playoffs after it missed the post-season last year for the first time since 2004. The 32-year-old enters his ninth season in Canada (38-22 as a starter). But behind Adams Jr. are first-year CFL players P.J. Walker and Josh Love. Walker joined the Stampeders late last season on the practice roster after appearing in 21 NFL games (nine starts) from 2020 to 2023. Trevor Harris, 39, returns under centre for Saskatchewan and enters his 13th CFL season. But injuries have limited Harris to just 17 regular-season starts over the last two years. Behind Harris is Jake Maier, who made 45 starts over four seasons with Calgary (18-26-1) before signing with Saskatchewan this off-season. Zach Collaros, also entering his 13th CFL season, looks to lead Winnipeg to a sixth straight Grey Cup appearance and third victory. The 36-year-old American recently signed a one-year extension with the Bombers. But veteran Chris Streveler is expected to start when Winnipeg opens its season hosting B.C. on June 12. The CFL suspended Collaros for one game last month for failing to respond to an off-season drug-testing request. Streveler, 30, suffered a season-ending knee injury in a 26-21 win over Saskatchewan on Sept. 7. He signed a one-year extension with the Bombers during the off-season and has made 13 career CFL starts (5-8). This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 3, 2025. Dan Ralph, The Canadian Press
