Latest news with #GreyCup
Hamilton Spectator
8 hours ago
- Sport
- Hamilton Spectator
Chad Kelly out again as Nick Arbuckle starts third straight for banged-up Argos
TORONTO - 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 co-ordinator. 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 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.' This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 19, 2025. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Toronto Star
14 hours ago
- Sport
- Toronto Star
Injured Argonauts look for their first win of the season against red-hot Roughriders
The defending Grey Cup champions find themselves in an unfamiliar territory heading into Friday's matchup against the Saskatchewan Roughriders. Last week's 29-19 loss to the Calgary Stampeders was the first time head coach Ryan Dinwiddie has lost a home-opener with the Argos, and it dropped Toronto into a 0-2 hole.
Winnipeg Free Press
20 hours ago
- Sport
- Winnipeg Free Press
Chad Kelly out again as Nick Arbuckle starts third straight for banged-up Argos
TORONTO – 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 co-ordinator. 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 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. Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. 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.' This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 19, 2025.
Winnipeg Free Press
2 days ago
- Sport
- Winnipeg Free Press
West sizzles while East struggles
As a sports reporter, I'm fascinated by fandom — the intense emotion fans invest in a team, from pure bliss to undeniable disdain. I see it daily, whether encountering praise or vitriol on social media, or watching family members scream at the TV over a bad play. Unlike many, I don't have an allegiance to any team, in any sport. My career choice and journalism school lessons about objectivity ultimately stripped me of any interest in a team's results, leaving me both lucky and, at times, envious not to have my heartstrings tugged by every win or loss. This past weekend, while listening to 980 CJME's Green Zone post-game show in Regina after the Saskatchewan Roughriders' road victory over the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, the fan calls were striking. Despite improving to 2-0, callers weren't celebrating; instead, they were fixated on kicker Brett Lauther's terrible night. John Woods / THE CANADIAN PRESS Winnipeg Blue Bombers running back Matthew Peterson (22) didn't miss a beat in the season opener against the B.C. Lions, replacing an injured Brady Oliveira. Lauther missed three field goals and an extra point, turning a comfortable lead into a narrow five-point win. But was it truly worth the collective meltdown and demands for his job? An emotional fan might point to last year's Week 11 loss to the Montreal Alouettes, where Lauther also struggled. Yet, I recall him making 28 of his next 29 field goal attempts to close that season. Sometimes, it's just a matter of perspective. Now, let's dive into the latest edition of CFL Rundown. 1) While Winnipeg beating B.C. wasn't a wild development — we've certainly seen crazier in the CFL — few would have predicted how they secured the victory over their West Division rival. Indeed, Chris Streveler outduelling Nathan Rourke wouldn't have been on many people's bingo cards, but that's precisely what transpired. Streveler looked poised and comfortable in the pocket, while Rourke struggled; had it not been for a few completed deep passes, his presence would have bordered on irrelevant. A lot of credit belongs to Winnipeg's offensive line for giving Streveler time and creating holes in the run game, and to the Bombers' defence for once again shutting down Rourke, who is now winless in five games against the Blue and Gold. The Bombers reminded the West that the road to the Grey Cup goes through Winnipeg, while simultaneously humbling a Lions club that might not be as good as first thought following their Week 1 triumph over Edmonton. 2) The Bombers losing reigning MOP, running back Brady Oliveira, after the first series made the win more impressive and again speaks to the stellar play of the O-line, as the offence didn't miss a beat. And it wasn't Streveler, who rushed just twice for nine yards, carrying the extra load, but rookie Matthew Peterson. In his first CFL game, Peterson rushed 23 times for 130 yards, including a highlight-reel 38-yard touchdown. With Oliveira expected to miss some time with a shoulder injury, many are wondering what Peterson might be able to do for an encore. Peterson has been working with the first-team offence so that suggests he'll get his first start this week in a rematch with B.C. on Saturday. But don't sleep on American tailback Quinton Cooley, who should also make the game-day roster. Cooley, who stands 5-7 but clocks in at 220 pounds, impressed with his physicality in the pre-season. The Bombers have been looking for an excuse to move him from the practice squad to the main roster, making him someone to keep an eye on. John Woods / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES The Winnipeg Blue Bombers' Quinton Cooley (right) could also be a substitute for an injured Brady Oliveira going forward. The running back impressed in the pre-season against the Saskatchewan Roughriders. 3) The Redblacks dropped to 0-2 following their lopsided loss, 38-19, at home to the Montreal Alouettes. Ottawa didn't look competitive from the get-go, falling behind early and never once leading on the scoreboard. Patience is running thin in the nation's capital, with a portion of the fanbase calling for head coach Bob Dyce's job. While I understand the doubt creeping in — Dyce boasts a 14-27-1 record as the bench boss in Ottawa — it's still early. The Redblacks haven't had the best luck with injuries, with their O-line severely banged up and No. 1 QB Dru Brown also sidelined in Week 2. Furthermore, Dyce signed an extension over the off-season, leaving him under contract through the 2026 campaign. That said, Dyce needs to address his club's discipline, as the Redblacks are averaging more than 100 penalty yards through two games. 4) Three East Division teams — Toronto, Ottawa, and Hamilton — are still searching for their first win of the season, each starting 0-2. While all three have their issues, the Argonauts appear to be in the biggest trouble. Without quarterback Chad Kelly, the Argos have struggled to find an offensive rhythm and it's become clear that Nick Arbuckle doesn't have the same magic he showed as last year's Grey Cup MVP. This lack of offensive consistency has also magnified the growing pains on defence, a unit that saw significant turnover throughout the off-season. Head coach Ryan Dinwiddie is already indicating Kelly could miss another week, so we'll see if the Argos can spoil Saskatchewan's visit and their 2-0 record with mostly the same struggling group. 5) In the West Division, three clubs remain perfect through two weeks: Saskatchewan (2-0), Calgary (2-0) and Winnipeg (1-0). All three teams have had impressive showings, but Winnipeg has sent the biggest message to the rest of the league, despite playing just one game so far. Many people have been waiting for the Bombers to 'fall off' after five straight Grey Cup appearances, but this team looked in mid-season form in their win over B.C. Based on first impressions, they appear to be strong contenders for a sixth straight championship game. While it's still too early to tell, the West feels like it's going to be a battle all year long. 6) Two teams worth keeping a close eye on in the coming weeks are Calgary and Hamilton. The Stampeders have surprised many — starting perfect through two games — but it should be noted that their wins have come against an Argos team missing their No. 1 quarterback and a Ticats club that appears to be an early front-runner for bottom-feeder of the league. Calgary will face the Redblacks with Brown back under centre, and then has a run through the mighty West, playing Winnipeg and Saskatchewan twice each over its next six games; Montreal and another tilt against Ottawa will round out that run. We should know a lot more about the Stamps by then, but will get clues throughout, beginning with their toughest challenge this week. As for the Ticats, they're on their bye week, returning to play the Alouettes in Week 4. Then it's the Argos, who should have Kelly back by then. I wouldn't be at all surprised if Hamilton was still looking for its first win come Week 6. 7) A hearty congratulations to Paul Friesen of the Winnipeg Sun and Judy Owen of Canadian Press, the local duo making up the Class of 2025 inducted into the media wing of the Canadian Football Hall of Fame. Both have contributed significantly to football coverage over their decades-long careers and both are extremely worthy of this honour. They'll be inducted with a special ceremony during Grey Cup week in Winnipeg later this year. Jon Blacker / THE CANADIAN PRESS Toronto Argonauts quarterback Nick Arbuckle (left) doesn't have the same magic he showed as last year's Grey Cup MVP. The Argos are still looking for their first win of the season. Jeff HamiltonMultimedia producer Jeff Hamilton is a sports and investigative reporter. Jeff joined the Free Press newsroom in April 2015, and has been covering the local sports scene since graduating from Carleton University's journalism program in 2012. Read more about Jeff. Every piece of reporting Jeff produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the Free Press's tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press's history and mandate, and learn how our newsroom operates. Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber. Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
National Post
2 days ago
- Sport
- National Post
Roughriders deploying elite running back tandem
Ka'Deem Carey is feeling some extra motivation this week as he gets set to face his former team. Article content After being cut by the Toronto Argonauts following training camp, the 32-year-old American running back joined the Saskatchewan Roughriders just days later. Article content Following his first game with the Green and White on Saturday against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, Carey is now set to play against the team that released him just a few weeks ago as the Roughriders (2-0) visit the Argonauts (0-2) on Friday night (5:30 p.m., TSN) in Week 3 of the CFL season. Article content 'There's a lot of motivation going there,' Carey said after Wednesday's practice at Mosaic Stadium. 'I think they already see that they're in the wrong right there, but I'm just with the right squad right now and just excited to show what we can do out there.' Article content Last season, the 5-foot-9, 215-pound Carey was named an East Division all-star after recording 1,060 rushing yards and seven touchdowns. He helped the Argos beat the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the Grey Cup before being a surprise cut during camp this season. Article content It didn't take long for him to get scooped up though as the three-time divisional all-star signed with the Roughriders just a week later as he joined a running back room that features two-time divisional all-star A.J. Ouellette. Article content And in Saskatchewan's Week 2 contest, both saw the field as Ouellette popped off for 96 yards on 13 carries — including a 47-yard touchdown run — while Carey recorded 26 yards on four carries, plus one catch for nine yards. Article content Article content 'When he went for that 50 yarder, all that did was excite me to go out there and make a special play myself,' said Carey, who has 3,941 career rushing yards and 26 touchdowns in 63 career games. 'When you got two all-star backs, anything can happen.' Article content
