The Argos play the Roughriders on Canada Day for the first time since 1984. On that day Bob O’Billovich’s Argos beat the Riders 25-10 at Taylor Field.
James Franklin gets the start at quarterback after a 211-yard performance against Hamilton. Once again McLeod Bethel-Thompson and Dakota Prukop will be his backups.
James Wilder Jr. returns as the starting running back with Chris Rainey backing him up. Declan Cross is the starting fullback, with Regis Cibasu behind him
The receiving corps remains intact with S.J. Green, Derel Walker, Armanti Edwards, Llevi Noel and Jimmy Ralph as the starters. Noel had seven catches last week, one shy of his career high. The backups remain Alex Charette and Kimi Linnainmaa.
There’s a change on the offensive line as Ryan Bomben returns from the injured list. He’ll be back at right guard, with Randy Richards beside him at right tackle. Sean McEwen is at centre, with Tyler Holmes at left guard and Will Campbell at left tackle. The backups are Jamal Campbell, D.J. Sackey and Isiah Cage.
Qudarius Ford is back for the first time since the opening game of 2018. He suffered a season-ending injury in Regina that night. Backing him up is Caleb Ham at the SAM linebacker spot. Ham, the son of former Argo and Hall-of-Fame quarterback Tracy Ham, makes his CFL debut. He was added to the Argos practice roster near the end of last year. Abdul Kanneh moves from SAM to a halfback spot, with Kevin Fogg at the other half. Alden Darby Jr. and Anthony Covington will be the corners, while Matt Webster gets the start at safety. Matt Boateng will be a reserve. One of the Argos two second-round picks in this year’s draft is making his CFL debut.
Micah Awe and Ian Wild are the middle and weak-side linebackers once again, with Justin Herdman-Reed, Nelkas Kwemo, Nakas Onyeka and John Biewald as the backups.
The front four sees Ken Bishop inserted into the lineup for Cory Johnson. Cleyon Laing is the other starting tackle, with Linden Gaydosh there to rotate through. Shawn Lemon and Freddie Bishop II start at end, with Tobi Antigha and Robbie Smith as their backups.
Drew Brown will once again do the placekicking, while two other special-teams specialists have been placed on the injured list. Punter Ronnie Pfeffer is out with Zack Medeiros returning to do the punting. Jake Reinhart’s 91-consecutive game streak ends as sixth-round pick Joe Spaziani will do the long snapping this week.
NEXT HOME GAME
The B.C. Lions are at BMO Field Saturday, July 6th, for a 7:00 game. It’s “Family Day”, as any child 12-and-under who is accompanied by a paying adult will get in for free. The best way to get a ticket for a youngster who qualifies is to call the Argos Ticket Department at (416) 341-ARGO. Kids will be entertained by Paw Patrol, Spiderman and Ironman.