ARGONAUTS.CA STAFF
Sophomore receiver Reggie McNeal has seen his fair share of juggling in the Argos’ offence in his two seasons in Double Blue. The quarterback-turned-receiver, who changed positions midway through the 2008 season, is one of the few receivers on the Boatmen that has consistently been in the offensive fold.
Last week however, McNeal was held out of the starting lineup, partially to allow newcomers Chad Lucas and Cory Rodgers to make their debut. After a week out of the lineup, McNeal is back in the starting lineup and will be inserted at familiar spot at the wideout position when the Argos take on the Alouettes at Percival Molson Stadium on Friday night.
Although McNeal’s return should give the Argos a spark on offence, it is on the defensive side of the ball where the Argos are looking to have their toughest test of the season thus far. The Als potent offence, led by QB Anthony Calvillo, should provide a huge measuring point for an Argos defence that has arguably been the league’s best this season, allowing the fewest yards per game as well as the fewest yards of total offence all season.
DE Claude Harriott returns to the lineup this week. He and the rest of the Argos defence sits in the top 3 of 18 CFL defensive categories heading into their Week 6 matchup with the Montreal Alouettes.
The defence will also receive an extra boost with DE Claude Harriott returning from the injured list (flu). Defensive Back Matt Black and LB Alphonso Hodge will also return to the Argos 45-man roster in place of DS Tang Bacheyie (released) and WR Hank Edwards (added to practice roster). Newly re-acquired WR P.K. Sam will have to wait at least another week before he gets in the Argos’ lineup as he rehabs a quad injury. The only other lineup change will occur in the receiving corps as Andre Durie, who has lined up as a tailback since his days starring at York University, will officially make the switch to slotback. Both Rodgers and Lucas will start for the second week in a row. With all the shuffling around at the receiver position, the odd man out is James Robinson who was released earlier this morning.
Kickoff is 7:30 p.m. ET at Percival Molson Stadium and can be seen on TSN/TSN HD or heard on Fan590.com or Sirius Satellite Radio. Following the game, the Boatmen will travel back to Toronto to take on the B.C. Lions at Rogers Centre on August 14. For tickets, call 416-872-5000 or click here for tickets.