ARGONAUTS.CA STAFF
Argos SB Andre Talbot has been waiting patiently to get back into the lineup after suffering a back injury in training camp. One of the league’s better possession receivers, Talbot injured himself in the Argos second pre-season game versus Hamilton and despite more than admirable performances from fellow Canadians Tyler Scott and rookie Mike Bradwell, the Argos coaching staff is relieved to having the veteran back in the fold.
Despite making his return, Talbot will not start as he is eased back into the lineup. He sits behind Scott on the Argos depth chart at the slot position.
Talbot’s return is the only major roster addition that the Argos will make for this game. Linebacker/long snapper Randy Srochenski’s departure from the lineup allows the Argos to dress Talbot without having to remove anyone. Tight end Steve Schmidt will take over the long snapping duties in place of Srochenski.
Schmidt’s duties as the Argos long snapper will not be the only change on special teams, however. The Argos plan to change things up in their return game with RB Jarrett Payton and SB Arland Bruce scheduled to take most of the reps returning the football. Running back Jamal Robertson and rookie CB Matt Black may also see time as returners as well.
As expected, the two starting quarterbacks will be Kerry Joseph and Henry Burris, however, Joseph has not faced the Stamps since November 11, 2007 when he and the Saskatchewan Roughriders defeated the Stamps in the West Semi-Final. Last season, it was Cody Pickett behind centre for the two games versus Calgary.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Argos are breathing a sigh of relief after DT Adriano Belli was seen spending most the week hobbling from an injury, however, barring any unforeseen setbacks, the ‘kissing bandit’ is expected to start alongside newcomer Kevin Huntley along the d-line for the second straight game.
Kickoff is at 9:00 p.m. EST and can be seen on TSN/TSNHD or heard on Fan590.com/Fan590 [joined in progressed]/Sirius Satellite Radio. Both the Argos and Stampeders will unveil their 1960’s retro jerseys in this game as well.