Shoulder Injury To Sideline Ray For Approx. 6 Weeks

ARGONAUTS.CA STAFF

TORONTO – Argos nation will have to wait at least another six weeks before they get to see number 15 under centre for the Double Blue again.

At Thursday’s walkthrough availability, Head Coach Scott Milanovich announced that the veteran pivot who was enjoying a near perfect season will be out for at least six weeks with a partial tear in his throwing shoulder. 

“He (Ray) is going to be out approximately 6 weeks, could be a couple weeks less or could be a couple more depending on how he responds to rehab,” Milanovich said during his availability Thursday. 

“Surgery is not required.”

Ray injured the shoulder during Week 9’s game against Calgary when he was tackled by Stampeders DL Charleston Hughes.

Milanovich however, was quick to ensure everyone that the injury is not of the rotator cuff variety, which would be much worse.  Giving exact detail, the Head Coach informed the media that it is a, “Partial tear of a muscle in his shoulder called the teres major which I’ve been informed is not a part of the rotator cuff.”

But don’t fret, the Argonauts training staff is making sure they do their best to get their All-Star QB back on the field.

 “From what I understand in football it’s a fairly rare injury.  So we were doing some research and talking to some people who have dealt with a similar injury. ”

When asked how his veteran QB responded to the news, Milanovich was surprisingly upbeat considering the torrid pace Ray was on to start 2013.

“He’s disappointed; he knows how well he’s playing.  We joked around a little bit and talked about how hot he was when he came back from injury a year ago.”

Ray missed 4 games late last season due to a knee injury, but returned to play his best football of 2012 and lead the Argonauts to the 100^th Grey Cup

“Hopefully we’ll get a similar result.” Milanovich said with a smile.

It was also announced that back-up QB Zach Collaros will start in place of the injured Ray this Tuesday night against Montreal.