ARGONAUTS.CA STAFF
TORONTO – If there ever was a year when the Argos have embodied the “next man up” mantra, 2013 is that year.
Week after week the team has lost a key contributor at a different position to injury, simply just inserting the next man on the depth chart in his place.
Week one it was K/P Swayze Waters, week four it was RB and 100th Grey Cup MVP Chad Kackert, week nine it was QB Ricky Ray and finally in week 10 it was both DL Cleyon Laing and CFL MOP Chad Owens.
Last week, the Argonauts were able to squeak out a 37-30 win against Montreal with what many would consider a depleted lineup. But to the Boatmen it matters not, they just keep battling.
At their Tuesday practice the Argos got their first bit of good news as Kackert practiced fully for the first time since his knee injury.
When asked about his starting running back Head Coach Scott Milanovich was cautiously optimistic, noting it will be most important to see how Kackert feels the day after his first full practice.
“[Kackert] looked pretty good, I’ll watch him on film and diagnose it a little further and see how he responds afterwards. His status would still be day to day. If he’s ready to go he’ll go. If not well go with the other guys.”
Chad himself spoke candidly that although this was his first full practice in weeks, he’s been rehabbing just as diligently as he practices.
“They’ve all been work weeks; sometimes your focus is just different. The last couple weeks I’ve been approaching like I’m going to be on the field. Today’s was my first chance to see how it reacted […] Today was my first day when I was making reactions to defenders.”
A big part of Kackert’s recovery process will be the mental aspect of taking live contact and seeing how both his leg and emotions respond.
“It’s a big part of it. I’ve had plenty of injures. It’s always iffy the first time you go back. That is one obstacle but it’s one that can go away after one play.”
In addition to Kackert, Waters had his first full practice since his week one injury that saw him land on the nine-game injured list. After working through his rehab progressions it sounds like Waters is prepared to rejoin the Argos kicking unit that had its share of struggles last week against Montreal.
“There is a good chance Swayze plays and will be up this week” said Milanovich.
The news however, was not as promising for SB/KR Owens.
“Chad [Owens] would be doubtful this week. Were hoping it doesn’t last too much longer but the ribs are still a little sore. Right now he probably would not be playing.”
The Argonauts will travel to Saskatchewan this weekend to take on the Roughriders who are tied with the Calgary Stampeders for the league’s best record at 8-2.
The two teams have met already this season with Saskatchewan coming away with the 39-28 victory in week three.
Keep visiting Argonauts.ca and follow us on Twitter @TorontoArgos for injury updates throughout the week.