The Toronto Argonauts announced Wednesday that veteran quarterback Ricky Ray would return to the lineup and start at quarterback in next Wednesday’s game against the BC Lions.
Ray, who has missed the last three games with an MCL sprain, will look to provide a spark and right the ship in Toronto, following back-to-back home losses.
On Thursday afternoon, Ray and Argos Head Coach Scott Milanovich addressed the media to discuss what his return will mean for the team. Here are three key takeaways:
The Argos starter won’t return to the lineup with lingering ailments or limitations; both Ray and Milanovich were clear in stating that the former is 100% healthy heading into his first start in five weeks.
“Last week in practice I was able to move around, and I feel like I can do pretty much everything out there,” said Ray.
This isn’t the signal caller’s first go-round with an MCL injury, which has allowed him to better gauge the recovery process internally and identify when he was right to return.
“I’m unfortunately getting used to this injury, I’ve had it a few times,” stated Ray. “I know the feelings, the rehab and what to expect, and I went off of that experience.”
There was hope that he’d be able to return for last week’s matchup with the Eskimos, but Ray felt like he needed one more week to return with no limitations.
| WATCH: Ray speaks on return to lineup in Week 11 |
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In a perfect world, a change at quarterback shouldn’t have any bearing on a team’s psyche or performance on the field, according to Milanovich. That being said, the Argos head coach believes that Ray’s return will be good for the entire club.
“I hate putting it on one guy,” explained Milanovich, “but when you get your number one guy back and your number one guy has the status of Ricky Ray, it’s going to mean something to everyone in that locker room.”
Milanovich expects that having the three-time Grey Cup champion at the helm will renew a sense of calmness throughout the team while instilling a trust that a win is never out of reach.
| WATCH: Milanovich discusses Ray’s upcoming start |
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Despite a couple of tough weeks, Logan Kilgore remains the team’s backup quarterback, as Milanovich again voiced his confidence in the young pivot on Thursday.
“I wish Logan had a better go of it, but I still have faith in him and we’re not going to give up on him,” said Milanovich.
When asked about Kilgore’s status as the number two quarterback, Milanovich didn’t mix words, quickly confirming that he’d remain in that role.
“The longer you’re around and the more playing time you have – even if it’s preseason – the better prepared you are,” explained Milanovich. “The hardest thing for a young quarterback is to fight through a day where you don’t have your best stuff.”
“That’s the ultimate goal as a player, is to be one of the pieces of the puzzle out there trying to help the team out with your play, and I’ll get a chance this week.” – Ricky Ray
“Scott does a great job of keeping us together. Once you start playing for yourself and not for the guys around you, that’s when things can snowball and we’ve never really had that issue here.” – Ricky Ray
“I can’t put all of the last two games on that position, but having your starting quarterback means a lot.” – Scott Milanovich