It is perhaps the most forgotten position and unfair positions on the football field. Forgotten because it is simply overlooked by spectators and unfair because it is only when you make an error do people blame the Long Snapper.
Rookie DT Étienne Légaré will be asked to take on such a task as TE Steve Schmidt sits out with an injury. Making the situation more challenging for Légaré and the Argos is that his experience at the position is minimal at best. While attending Laval University, the second overall pick in this year’s draft dipped his toe in the long snapping pool, but now he’s been asked to dive in head first. In the past, the Argos have been flush with long snappers including Randy Srochenski, and backups Chad Folk (who handled snapping for field goals) and the legendary Mike O’Shea. While Steve Schmidt benefitted from one-on-one instruction from ‘Scorch’ during training camp and into the season, Légaré has been working with teammates diligently after each practice for most of the year. OG Jeff Keeping would have been Schmidt’s backup, but an injured shoulder against Edmonton two weeks ago forced him to the 9-game injured list. Non-import LB Kyle Jones and import LB Zeke Moreno will backup Schmidt.
DB/CB Sammy Joseph, who could also be known as Smilin’ Sammy for his bright, white smile and upbeat demeanor around the team’s practice facility, will get his first CFL start on Friday night. He’ll start in place of veteran CB Jordan Younger who will miss another game with a toe injury. Meanwhile, the versatile Will Poole moves inside to DB (his third position in the secondary this season) to take over for rookie of the year candidate Lin-J Shell who didn’t travel to Edmonton with an undisclosed injury.
Activated for tonight’s game is WR Reggie McNeal, who hasn’t played since the Labour Day Classic. McNeal will give the Argos’ offence another playmaker who is capable of catching for 100 yards. On the season, he has 24 catches for 309 yards and 3 touchdowns.
Starting DE Claude Harriott, who didn’t dress last week, has officially been added to the IR with a knee injury.
Tonight’s game can be heard live on FAN590 or seen on TSN; kickoff at 9:00 p.m. ET. The Argos return to Toronto next Saturday, November 7 to take on the league-leading Montreal Alouettes. Next Saturday’s game, inclduing Fan Appreciation Day and Dog Day at the Stadium, will kickoff at 1:00 p.m. ET.