Once again the injury bug has bitten the Argos, leading to a couple of changes this week, while another player has been added to the roster and gets a chance to start.
There’s no change at quarterback, where McLeod Bethel-Thompson gets the nod. He threw for 388 yards and three touchdowns last week at Winnipeg. Dakota Prukop and Mike O’Connor line up behind M B-T.
There is a change at receiver though, as Rodney Smith will get the start ahead of Llevi Noel. The 6’5” Florida State product adds another downfield threat for the Argos. In the pre-season game vs. Montreal he hauled in a 79-yard touchdown pass. Noel will play special teams where he has excelled in the past. The rest of the group remains the same with Armanti Edwards, Jimmy Ralph, S.J. Green and Derel Walker starting. Walker had his breakout game last week with nine catches for 188 yards and a pair of TDs. Alex Charette and Global player Kimi Linnainmaa will also dress.
The running backs remain the same with James Wilder Jr. starting, joined by Chris Rainey and Brandon Burks, with Regis Cibasu as the fullback.
Another injury has hit the offensive line. This time it’s starting right tackle Randy Richards, who has been placed on the six-game injured list. Will Campbell will get the start in his place. The rest of the starters remain the same with Isiah Cage, Tyler Holmes, Sean McEwen and Ryan Bomben in their usual spots. Jamal Campbell backs up, while D.J. Sackey has moved to the practice roster.
Ian Wild was injured in his return to Winnipeg and has been placed on the six-game injured list. Micah Awe will move from his middle linebacking spot to the weak side, with Justin Herdman-Reed starting in the middle. Qudarius Ford will again man the strong side. Sean Harrington moves back to the active roster, and is joined as a backup by Nelkas Kwemo, Nakas Onyeka and Kennan Gilchrist.
There’s a change on the defensive line as end Shawn Lemon has been activated. He’s not listed as a starter, as Frank Beltre and Freddie Bishop III will man the ends, with Ken Bishop and Cleyon Laing in the middle. They’ll be joined in the rotation by Linden Gaydosh, with Robbie Smith and Tobi Antigha also in the mix at end.
There is a change in the secondary with rookie National Matt Boateng getting that start at corner with Alden Darby Jr. Abdul Kanneh and Kevin Fogg are at halfback, and Matt Webster at safety. Robert Woodson and Anthony Covington will also suit up.
Zack Medeiros will punt, Tyler Crapigna will handle the place-kicking duties, while Joe Spaziani will do the long snapping.
A reminder that while these are the starting lineups, players can move around when the game starts.