ARGONAUTS.CA STAFF
It is going to take some help from other teams but in order for the Argos to make the playoffs in 2009, the club is going to have to help itself first. Depending on what the Argos do down the stretch they could mathematically finish anywhere from second in the East to last in the East. In order to ensure that the latter does not become the reality, they must come away with a victory Friday night when the Edmonton Eskimos come to town.
“Most of the year I have tried to stay into it mentally and tried to pay attention as much as I can in meetings..You never know when your number is going to be called so I was able to get a few reps this week and hopefully be ready.“.
– Quarterback Stephen Reaves on making his debut as a backup quarterback Friday night
The Argos meet the Esks twice in the next two weeks which will go a long way not only in determining the playoff scenario in the CFL East Division but also the West Division as the Eskimos, along with the B.C. Lions, fight for the third spot in the west or the possible crossover spot in the East.
Quarterback Kerry Joseph will once again make the start for the Argos and will face an Edmonton defence that has shown its fair share of struggles in recent weeks. The Esks ‘D’ ranks last in the league in total yards allowed (5,298), average yards per game (378.4), first downs allowed (302), passing yards per game (292.9), points per game (30.7), passing touchdowns (23) and overall touchdowns allowed (39).
Joseph will be backed up by QB Steven Reaves, who will make his CFL debut. Reaves joined the Argos in May and has been placed on the Argos practice roster for the entire season thus far. Although excited, the rookie pivot is trying to stay ready should the opportunity call for him to enter the game.
“Most of the year I have tried to stay into it mentally and tried to pay attention as much as I can in meetings”, said Reaves. “You never know when your number is going to be called so I was able to get a few reps this week and hopefully be ready”.
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Reaves’ activation to the roster is in response to an injury that has plagued QB Cody Pickett all week. Picket will likely dress as well but should Joseph falter or suffer an injury of his own, it will likely be Reaves who will be forced into action.
The injury bug may have bitten Pickett, but it is taking no mercy on to other Argos who have been placed on the injured list for this game. Receiver Chad Rempel suffered a broken fibula against Saskatchewan that has placed him on the 9-game injured list while veteran CB Jordan Younger joins fellow corner Willie Middlebrooks on the IR.
As a result, the Argos have re-added WR Reggie McNeal to the 46-man roster along with RB Amos Allen and non –import LB Raymond Fontaine. McNeal has missed time due to injury and it is uncertain as to whether he will dress or not.
Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m. ET on Friday night at Rogers Centre. It’s Purolator Tackle Hunger night and fans are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items or a cash donation to the Purolator and Food Bank volunteers stationed around Rogers Centre. In return, fans will have the opportunity to take their picture with the Grey Cup. For tickets, please call 416-872-5000 or click here for more information.