Andrus Excited For Sam’s Return

ARGONAUTS.CA STAFF

After waiting out a nagging injury, Argos WR P.K. Sam seems ready to make his 2009 debut Friday night against

the Calgary Stampeders.  The only question left is who is more excited about his return to the lineup – Sam or the Argos brass.  The Argos coaching staff is hoping that Sam can add both size and smarts to a receiving corps that has seen its fair share of personnel changes in the first seven weeks of the season.

“He is a big target and he runs good routes,” said Head Coach Bart Andrus.  “He is a receiver that can bring a lot to our offence and I think he will bring us some extra awareness, extra experience and I am excited to see him play.”

Andrus and his staff have good reason to be hopeful that Sam can add a new dimension to their offence based on his late-season performance in 2008.  The Florida State product was arguably the Boatmen’s most productive offensive weapon in the final third of the ’08 season, generating 36 receptions for 499 yards and three touchdowns in only six games after first joining the club in September.

Sam’s addition could go a long way in helping the Argos cap drives with majors down the stretch of games.  Despite moving the ball effectively in their last contest versus B.C., Andrus is looking for the Argos to put teams away when given the opportunity.

“Our objective all week has been to finish,” said Andrus.  “We have had a couple games that we have found a way to lose at the end.  So when you have those types of opportunities (to close out games and do not), we have to learn from them and see if we can correct those mistakes.” 

On the defensive side of the ball, Andrus and his staff will make two significant changes.  Rookie DT Etienne Légaré is expected to start along the interior defensive line in place of veteran DT Adriano Belli, who was placed on the disabled list with a fever due to an infection.

The other move occurs in the Argos defensive secondary where CB Byron Parker will make his 2009 debut after returning to the Argos last week.  Parker, who is listed primarily as a kick returner for Friday’s contest, will likely see limited action, rotating in the back half of the Argos defence.

The only other lineup change occurs along the offensive line as Chris Van Zeyl joins the 46-man active roster for the first time since joining the Argos mid-way through last season and spending time on the club’s practice roster.

Cody Pickett will once again get the start for the Double Blue as he tries to challenge a steady Calgary secondary led by cornerbacks Brendan Browner and Dwight Anderson.  Pickett is coming off a solid showing two weeks ago where he completed 25 of 40 passes for 326 yards and one touchdown pass.

Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m. at Rogers Centre Friday evening.  For tickets, call 416-872-5000 or click here to purchase tickets online.