ZICARELLI: Argos’ QB picture shrouded in uncertainty amid injuries

Article content material

The Argonauts discover themselves perched atop the East with an opportunity to create separation within the subsequent few weeks, offered they handle enterprise.

Article content material

The Argos are one in all three groups within the nine-team CFL with a profitable file.

And but there may be continued uncertainty on the quarterback place.

Ryan Dinwiddie is adamant that he has two starters in McLeod Bethel-Thompson and Nick Arbuckle, who’ve every lined up beneath centre for 2 of Toronto’s wins.

Throughout his post-practice Zoom name Sunday, Dinwiddie mentioned each are coping with accidents.

Sunday was speculated to be the day Dinwiddie would announce his starter for Toronto’s house sport in opposition to the Ottawa Redblacks on Wednesday.

No announcement was made, with Dinwiddie including to the drama by saying he has even contemplated the potential of beginning Antonio Pipkin, who made his debut with the Argos in opposition to his former workforce when Toronto defeated the Montreal Alouettes 30-27.

Article content material

If Pipkin does get the decision and if neither MBT nor Arbuckle can play Wednesday, Dinwiddie mentioned he has no qualms in turning to rookie Cole McDonald, a current addition to the Argos who’s on the workforce’s follow roster.

In spite of everything, there will probably be no different selection however to decorate McDonald as Pipkin’s backup if this state of affairs performs out.

Dinwiddie is a former quarterback who began in a Gray Cup for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers again within the day.

He quipped how he hasn’t thrown a move since he served as operating backs coach.

“I don’t assume I’d be of any assist,” he mentioned when jokingly requested if he can function a participant/coach.

Each MBT and Arbuckle practised Sunday, every splitting reps.

If there’s one factor we’ve realized about Dinwiddie throughout his rookie 12 months as head coach is that he’ll err on the facet of warning.

Article content material

Whereas no resolution has been made and each choice has been explored, chances are high one in all MBT or Arbuckle will begin.

Dinwiddie deliberate on huddling with the workforce’s coaching workers to gauge how each QBs held up following their exercises Sunday.

“We’re going to return to the drafting board and see what’s the perfect resolution,” mentioned Dinwiddie. “I don’t wish to make a rash resolution. I wish to see how these guys really feel after follow with therapy and see the place they’re at.”

MBT is coping with a knee problem, whereas Arbuckle continues to nurse a hamstring harm.

“He’s making actually good progress and so is Mac,” added Dinwiddie. “We’ll be cautious. I don’t wish to give a man all of the reps after which he’s not good to go on sport day.

“I really feel each guys are good to go. I simply have to sit down down with the coach and type of see the place we’re at.”

Article content material

Pipkin, in accordance with Dinwiddie, has obtained his share of reps as nicely.

“If we’re going to go along with Pip, we really feel comfy,” continued Dinwiddie. “We’ll see how this performs out.”

RAY DAY

Rush finish Shane Ray, a former first-rounder within the NFL with Denver, is more likely to return this week.

There was loads of buzz surrounding Ray and his CFL debut, however it all got here crashing down when he harm his hand in Toronto’s season opener in Calgary.

“He’s again,” mentioned Dinwiddie. “He got here off the six-game (injured listing) and we really feel he’ll be out there this week. We’re hoping he can add a spark on defence.”

Dinwiddie believes Ray harm his hand early within the second quarter of the Argos’ win over the Stamps.

“He had stitches and got here again to complete the sport,” mentioned Dinwiddie. “We went out and acquired some x-rays and it was damaged. He couldn’t play for us … He’s absolutely wholesome now and we’re joyful to have him again.”

Article content material

Ray’s profession within the NFL was marred by a wrist harm that sidelined his run down south.

CFL veteran defensive linemen Cordarro Legislation and Drake Nevis, two Gray Cup champions, are additionally prospects to play this week.

Neither has appeared in a sport on this their first seasons in Double Blue.

Legislation has been coping with a knee harm, whereas Nevis harm his again.

CAPITAL IDEA

Ottawa began Caleb Evans at quarterback in its house win over Edmonton final week.

The Redblacks, the truth is, dressed two QBs with no CFL expertise.

Evans made essentially the most of his first begin by throwing for 3 TDs and 0 picks in Ottawa’s 34-24 win over the Elks.

It helped when return dynamo DeVonte Dedmon produced 250 return yards and a TD.

“He’s athletic and he can lengthen performs,” mentioned Dinwiddie of Evans. “He’s going to be an issue if he escapes the pocket. We’re going to need to preserve him within the pocket and make him throw within the pocket and actually collapse the pocket on high of that.

“The child has arm expertise, too. He gave them slightly little bit of juice. They’re (Redblacks) feeling good about themselves. They made that change with him and are 1-0 and of their thoughts they’re saying: ‘Hey, we’re undefeated.’

“They’ll are available with loads of confidence and pleasure, however we’ve to ensure we do our half.”

Each of Ottawa’s wins have been produced in opposition to Edmonton.

In two video games in opposition to the Elks, the Redblacks had been a mixed plus-5 within the turnover ratio and took a complete of 9 penalties.

fzicarelli@postmedia.com