(Picture credit score: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports activities)
The Toronto Argonauts plan to start out backup quarterback Cameron Dukes on Friday night time after they go to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers for a rematch of the 2022 Gray Cup finals.
The Argonauts (12-1), who defeated the Blue Bombers 24-23 to win the Gray Cup final yr, will relaxation beginning quarterback Chad Kelly, who missed a while final month with an ankle harm. Toronto has clinched first place within the East Division to earn a bye within the first spherical of the playoffs.
The Blue Bombers (10-4), tied for first within the West Division with the BC Lions, had been disadvantaged of a 3rd straight Gray Cup title with their loss to Toronto. This would be the first assembly between the groups because the championship recreation.
Argonauts coach Ryan Dinwiddie mentioned after the 29-14 dwelling win over the Hamilton Tiger-Cats final Saturday that he wouldn’t play a full crew in opposition to Winnipeg.
“I feel the media goes to make a giant deal about it, the entire Gray Cup rematch and all of that stuff,” he mentioned. “I will sit a few of our guys who’re beat up. A few of our stars aren’t going to be taking part in subsequent week.
“We’re not going to jeopardize a few of our star gamers which might be beat up. … I am not placing anybody in jeopardy to make the media joyful so far as who we’ll play.”
Blue Bombers coach Mike O’Shea doesn’t really feel that Toronto’s lineup plans will have an effect on his crew’s method to the sport.
“It should not,” O’Shea mentioned. “They’ve earned the proper to make no matter determination they need. … Our job, it doesn’t matter what occurs, it doesn’t matter what their roster appears to be like like, is to exit and execute.”
Dukes changed an injured Kelly halfway by a 20-7 street loss to Calgary Stampeders on Aug. 4. He went 8-for-15 passing for 63 yards and an interception.
“They don’t seem to be watered down with Kelly out, they’re nonetheless a very good crew,” Blue Bombers defensive finish Jackson Jeffcoat mentioned. “So, irrespective of who’s at quarterback, they will come to play. It is on us to execute and play a very good recreation.”
Among the many different Argonauts who won’t play on Friday are linebacker Wynton McManis (ankle), defensive again Jamal Peters (groin) and vast receiver Cam Phillips (groin).
Blue Bombers defensive again Desmond Lawrence (knee) has been dominated out.
