ARGONAUTS.CA STAFF
TORONTO – Jason Pottinger is leading by example. Only nine weeks after suffering what was supposed to be a season-ending ACL injury, the veteran middle linebacker has remarkably re-entered the Argos’ lineup. His sheer determination to do so may be just what a reeling Toronto Argonauts club needs as they try to get back into the playoff picture Saturday afternoon against the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
Pottinger’s return is nothing short of astonishing considering that the injury been known to end some players’ season and, in some cases, threaten careers. The 28-year-old was coming off a career year in 2010, his first as a starter. He racked up 72 tackles and 2 sacks before being sidelined on a relatively innocent special teams play in the 2011 season opener.
He has been visibly eager to get back onto the field after practicing for five weeks.
“I feel amazing,” Pottinger said with a smile. “There is nothing better than getting re-started with the hostile crowd of Saskatchewan so I could not have timed my return any better.”
While on the shelf, Pottinger had spent the majority of his time in the spotters booth with defensive coordinator Orlondo Steinauer on game days, and alongside linebackers coach Greg Quick during practices.
After being off the field for nine weeks, it would be easy to assume that Pottinger would have, at least, a little bit of apprehention heading into Saturday. The enthusiastic defender, though, says he feels confident that his injury won’t force him to hold back from playing his game.
“I have been pushing it really hard in practice for the last four weeks so I’m not even worried about that.”
Pottinger’s re-entry into the lineup now causes some juggling in the starting linebacking corps as he moves back to his original spot in the middle. Ejiro Kuale will move into what had been Anthony Cannon’s since Kevin Eiben was lost for the season, and Jeremy Unertl will get his second consecutive start in place of an injured Jordan Younger. Unertl had arguably his best game as an Argo last year in Regina and showed enough last week in Vancouver to earn the start again. It is expected that Cannon will rotate in to spell all three starters throughout the game.
The Argos’ linebackers, along with the rest of the defence, will be in for a stiff challenge against a Riders squad that is simply on fire since losing to the Boatmen and welcoming Ken Miller back to the sidelines.
Since Miller’s return, the Riders have won two straight, passed for over 460 yards and put up 72 points against a Winnipeg defence that is ranked first in the league. Factor in the return of last year’s league-leading receiver Andy Fantuz and the Riders are a team that nobody looks forward to facing.
Offensively, the Argos are once again in a transition phase with new quarterback Steven Jyles making his second start under centre since taking over for the now-departed Cleo Lemon.
Jyles’ rust showed in the first half of last week’s contest but the team remains positive given that his second half performance saw him move the ball with consistency both in the air and by using his legs.
Kickoff is at 4:00 p.m. ET on Saturday from Mosaic Stadium and can be seen on TSN, heard on TSN Radio 1050 or followed live on argonauts.ca via Game Tracker.
Following the game, the Boatmen will return home to take on the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. The Argos will celebrate the 20th anniversary of the 1991 Grey Cup team with over 30 alumni at the game for the festivities. For tickets, please call 416-341-ARGO (2746) or click here to purchase online.