August 15, 2017

Ray leads first team offence at Argos practice

Ricky Ray (15) during the Toronto Argonauts training camp at York University in Toronto, On., Saturday, June 10, 2017. (Photo: Johany Jutras)

The Toronto Argonauts could have their starting quarterback available for Saturday’s pivotal divisional matchup with the Montreal Alouettes.

Ricky Ray took first team reps at Tuesday’s Argos practice, throwing 25-30 passes during team drills against the defence.

Ray, leading the first team offence, had what Head Coach Marc Trestman called an ‘efficient’ day of work, feeling no limitations in the throws he was able to make.

“Ricky practiced the entire day,” said Trestman. “We had a very efficient practice. We’ll see how he feels tomorrow but he didn’t miss a rep, he took every rep today.”

Along with the work during team periods, the 15-year veteran participated in all of his typical individual and positional-based drills.

The Argos quarterback is working his way back from a shoulder injury suffered during the team’s Week Seven against the Calgary Stampeders. He missed the first game of the team’s home-and-home against the Montreal Alouettes last week in Montreal.

“It’s feeling a lot better,” explained Ray. “Just having some rest last week and not doing anything other than rehab on it really helped it feel better this week.”

Here are five other questions Ray answered in his post-practice availability:

  • The rehab on and evaluation of his throwing arm remains a day-to-day process.
  • He has been throwing since Sunday, following four days of rest after the team’s loss to the Stamps.
  • His throwing shoulder was pain-free while passing despite some soreness remaining.
  • It is his hope that he’ll be able to suit up against Montreal this week, although he would not concede whether he expects to or not.
  • Pass protection has been a focal point of the offensive team’s work, and there have been marked improvements.