ARGONAUTS.CA STAFF
MISSISSAUGA — It is difficult for any professional sports team to replace a starter in any circumstance, but when four of your starting defensive players are out of the lineup for more than half of a game, you begin to move into unchartered territory.
“That’s the game of Football.” These words were from GM & Head Coach Jim Barker sum up the injury situation for the Argonauts heading into Friday. As many as four regular starters could be out due to injuries sustained in their previous game on July 23rd.
The title of most banged up unit undoubtedly goes to the defensive backs. Both starting halfbacks, Lin-J Shell and Evan McCollough, are hampered by injuries that forced them out of Saturday’s game. It is uncertain whether or not either of them will be able to play, but their teammates are waiting in the wings and preparing themselves to be consistent contributors on Friday night at Commonwealth Stadium.
“All you can do is prepare like you’re going to be the guy,” said first year defensive back Dee Webb. Webb took most of the first team reps on defence in relief of McCollough. “It’s a big part of being a professional.”
Although the season is only four weeks old, Webb is used to coming in to relieve a fallen teammate. Starting CB Byron Parker went down with an injury early on in week 2 against the Blue Bombers and Webb filled in admirably for the former all-star, making an interception on his first play in the CFL.
Another rookie looking to make an impact in the CFL is CB Armando Murillo. If Argos fans recall, the Nebraska alumnus was in a dogfight with now starting CB Sean Smalls to replace the retired Willie Middlebrooks out of training camp.
Murillo has had the opportunity to practice against the first team offence on a consistent basis throughout the season, and although he feels that experience is invaluable, he also enjoys gaining different perspectives when the opportunity arises.
“To be honest, I like playing receiver against the first team defence, more,” said the Florida native. “You get a different perspective going against the starters when you’re a receiver. If I can see how my teammates react when a receiver is coming towards them, I can then put that into play when I’m on the other end.”
If both Webb and Murillo get the opportunity to make an impact, they have the advantage of learning from a bevy of knowledgeable veterans in the backfield. Between Parker, Jordan Younger and Willie Pile, there is 20 years of CFL experience.
“Those guys have been so helpful,” Murillo said. “I know at the end of the day it’s still Football, but there are so many minor adjustments that you are required to make to be sure you can transition properly from the American game.”
The Argos have one final practice at UTM before flying out to Edmonton on Wednesday night.