Toronto Argonauts keep focus on being playoff ready with Redblacks in town
With most of the starters in the lineup against the Ottawa Redblacks, the Toronto Argonauts remain focused on ensuring they remain ready for their upcoming playoff run.
The Toronto Argonauts play their final home game of the regular season against the Ottawa Redblacks in another game where the team might not have something to play for in the standings but don’t tell the players or coaching staff that.
It has been a difficult balancing act for Toronto in the final stretch of the season as they want to give players a chance to rest, especially those dealing with injuries, but also remain in game shape.
In the past few weeks, the Argos not only have been giving certain players the rest they need but also putting particular players in a position to earn more playing time that they might not usually get. Toronto has seen first hand how important it is for players to be ready to step up when called upon.
Talking to reporters this week, head coach Ryan Dinwiddie said that getting Chad Kelly reps remains important but they will also make sure that Cameron Dukes has earned enough reps.
Going into Saturday’s game against Ottawa there will be a different looking lineup even with some notable starters still making the depth chart.
The big changes come on the offensive line with right guard Peter Nicastro (neck) and right tackle Dejon Allen (leg) sitting out which means Trevon Tate, Isiah Cage, Dylan Giffen and Shane Richards will draw in.
Among the notable regular players sitting out are AJ Ouellette (healthy scratch), right tackle Dejon Allen (leg), linebacker Jordan Williams (calf), Jamal Peters (groin) and wide receiver Cam Phillips (groin).
Newly signed receiver Richie Sindani will dress and should see some reps in this game.
Argos lock up another coach to keep staff intact
A few weeks after agreeing to a new deal with special teams co-ordinator Mickey Donovan, another integral member of the staff will also be back.
Defensive co-ordinator Corey Mace will also be back next season after agreeing to an extension. The 37-year-old has formed a great duo with Dinwiddie providing Toronto stability as one of the top defensive units in the league.
Mace’s impact isn’t just about the team’s numbers but also the buy-in from the players and helping to recruit free agents who want to play for him.
When the Argos won the Grey Cup last year, there were some wondering how many coaches would get plucked rom the staff and Mace’s name would be near the top of the list.
There are certainly no guarantees that a promotion would have been possible for Mace but for now, Argos fans can rest easy knowing he will be back in the fold for 2024.