The Argos returned from their ill-fated trip to Calgary knowing they had sustained more injuries than significant drives by the team’s offence.
It turns out they lost more players than the Argos were able to produce points in a 29-2 beatdown by the Stamps.
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In some ways, the score was a bit deceiving when one considers Calgary was leading 14-2 heading into the final quarter.
In other ways, the score reflected the home side’s dominance, given how inefficient and ineffective the Argos operated their offence.
At least in a 41-point blowout loss in B.C., the Argos managed to scored three points and were able to get inside the Leos’ five-yard line.
B.C. comes to town Saturday as the Argos play a home game for the first time since Aug. 26.
On Saturday, defensive lineman Shane Ray won’t be in the Argos lineup, and neither will linebacker Wynton McManis, while the immediate future of receiver Damonte Coxie remains up in the air.
Ray tore his biceps in Calgary. Last season, at the same McMahon Stadium field, the one-time Super Bowl champion hurt his hand in his debut with the Argos.
Ray’s time in Toronto has been injury-plagued, and there’s a good chance the rush end has played his final game in an Argos jersey.
Argonauts head coach Ryan Dinwiddie announced following Tuesday’s practice that Ray is done for the season.
As for McManis, who made his return to Calgary for the first time after he broke into the CFL with the Stamps, there’s a good chance the stud linebacker will be back at some point.
McManis hurt his MCL, but he was at practice Tuesday sporting spiffy street attire. He was walking gingerly on his injured knee.
Coxie hurt his foot in the loss. Dinwiddie said the first-year receiver will undergo his second set of x-rays to determine his playing status moving forward.
“We’re hoping it’s a sprain,” said the head coach, whose 8-6 team suddenly finds itself in a first-place battle with the hard-charging Montreal Alouettes (7-7).
“We’re getting a second x-ray as a precaution, but hopefully it’s just a sprain.”
The loss of McManis will be felt. He is a playmaking linebacker who also lines up on special teams.
In a best-case scenario, McManis returns in four weeks.
The Argos have four games remaining before the playoffs begin.
At this stage, all games are big, but the two season-ending meetings against Montreal loom particularly large and intriguing with first place in the East on the line.
“We’ll see,” Dinwiddie said of the potential time frame for McManis’ return. “He’s a quick healer, but it will probably be a full month.”
Canadian Trevor Hoyte filled in for McManis in Calgary.
Hoyte has played the weak side linebacker spot and at middle linebacker when veteran Henoc Muamba needs a break or has missed games due to injury.
Jonathan Jones, an American, is also a possibility to start at weak side linebacker.
Dinwiddie wasn’t about to tip his hand.
If the Argos do elect to start Hoyte, some added ratio flexibility will be created.
“We’ll see,” said Dinwiddie when breaking down his options at linebacker. “I think Trevor played well (in Calgary). He played well last year when we needed him. We trust Trevor.”
HUNTER IN THE MIX
Recent addition Ryan Hunter, whom the team drafted in the first round in 2018, is expected to see more playing time on the offensive line.
Hunter made his CFL debut in Calgary.
He dressed as a backup, but essentially played the entire second half at left guard.
“We’re going to have a little rotation there,” said Dinwiddie. “He hasn’t played CFL football and it’s not fair to throw him to the wolves quite yet.
“He will be in there and we’re going to move around six offensive linemen.”
When he reviewed the game film, Dinwiddie said Hunter did okay.
“He gave up one pressure and then one play he was little bit late off the ball,” said Dinwiddie. “In the second half, for the most part, he settled in.”
Hunter is a native of North Bay, but he forged his football path in Western New York.
Hunter is not used to playing three-down football, but he has all the tools to do well in the CFL once he refines his game.
NICASTRO ON THE HORIZON
When the Argos were in Calgary, Dinwiddie got to spend time with Peter Nicastro, a Calgary native who became a revelation at centre in his rookie season in 2021.
He hurt his knee late in the season and hasn’t played since.
Following this week’s game versus B.C., the Argos will be back in Alberta to play the host Elks.
The Argos and Nicastro will reunite in Edmonton.
Dinwiddie acknowledged Nicastro will accompany the team back to Toronto following the game.
The plan is for Nicastro to drive to Edmonton and then board the team’s charter on the return leg.
Nicastro had his knee surgery in Calgary and stayed in the city during his recovery and rehab.
“The doc said he’s looking really good,” added Dinwiddie. “We’re looking at hopefully the season finale (a home game on Oct. 29 vs. the Als) or the playoffs.”
Dinwiddie said Nicastro is in good spirits.
“He looks great. It looks like he’s in good shape. We just have to get him up to speed as far as practising first before we put him in the game.”
The one silver lining to the Calgary experience was Nicastro.
“It’s encouraging,” continued Dinwiddie. “We haven’t really known too much (of Nicastro’s recovery). He’s getting towards the end of his rehab and he feels like he’s ready to go. We’re hoping he can play this year.”
fzicarelli@postmedia.com
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