This Friday is the start of the final week of games in the 2014 regular season. The 2014 season has shown us the unmistakable value of a competent backup quarterback across the league. The Argonauts have not been immune to the injury bug this year by any means, but this week it’s hit their MOP candidate, Ricky Ray.
Since he broke into the league, Ray has shown his value to his teams, providing leadership as well as brilliant playmaking with his arm, and tremendous decision making with his mind.
Last week the Argonauts and the Argo faithful witnessed their prized pivot go down. The hit didn’t look too vicious, but the result was catastrophic for a team facing a must-win scenario. Ricky Ray suffered a concussion and consequently the Argos are forced to keep going on this season of adversity with out him.
Head Coach Scott Milanovich when questioned on the status of Ray, says there’s a “close to zero percent chance that Ricky will play this Friday. We will be preparing for Trevor Harris to start,” he said.
The man of the hour, who will be making his first career CFL start in a must-win season-ending game against the Ottawa Redblacks, is Trevor Harris.
Harris impressed at the Argos practice, throwing a very accurate deep ball while also showing how mobile he is in the pocket. He has the confidence of his teammates behind them.
When asked about how the team will rally around the young QB? Milanovich was quick to point out, “They already have. I think watching him out here, the guys are ready to get behind him and are confident in him.”
The news isn’t all bad. Jason Barnes was at practice and looking good. Milanovich said, “There is a good chance he will play, we just need to see how he feels after today.”
The Argos are heading down to the wire this season. The last game is coming up and even if they take care of business there, they will have to be Montreal fans for Saturday, as they need an Als win over the Ticats to secure a playoff birth.
It’s never easy having to wait on a little help from another team, but as Steve Slaton put it, “That’s what being a professional is all about.”
For a team that has battled through distractions and adversity all season long, the Argos can take comfort in knowing this is nothing new for them. The team has heart and showcases that on the field. They are never out of a game, and even in practice the Argos never take a day off.
Going up against Ottawa, Toronto will have to wait and see who will be behind center against them. Ottawa will likely want to see what they have at backup, so Burris won’t see much action.
One final game; a win and the Argos are possibly in. The heat is rising as the fall temperatures continue to drop.
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