Reserve QBs to start as Redblacks host Argonauts

Two squads who have their primary quarterbacks ailing and just one combined victory this season square off Sunday night when the Toronto Argonauts visit the Ottawa Redblacks.

On the final injury report of the week, the Argonauts announced that 2023 Most Outstanding Player Chad Kelly will not make his season debut. Kelly broke the tibia and fibula in his right leg last November in the East Final at Montreal and missed the following week's victorious Grey Cup contest over the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

"Definitely not this week, definitely not next week. I'm hoping (Kelly will return) after the bye," Argonauts coach Ryan Dinwiddie told TSN. "He's getting better but he's just not quite there yet full strength in being able to protect himself in the pocket. You never know with these things -- it might take a little bit longer and then the next week he might be back."

Kelly was a limited practice participant on Wednesday, but missed practices on Thursday and Friday.

The Argonauts (0-3) are off to a poor start and last week's 39-32 loss to the Saskatchewan Roughriders was a bitter one. After Toronto tied the game with 23 seconds left, Saskatchewan's Mario Alford returned the ensuing kickoff 99 yards for a touchdown.

The Argos rank last in scoring offense (20.3 points per game) and total offense (306.7 yards per game).

Nick Arbuckle started the Argonauts' first three games and leads the CFL with 841 yards but also has thrown the most interceptions (five). The Most Outstanding Player of last year's Grey Cup has four touchdown passes.

Meanwhile, Ottawa starting quarterback Dru Brown (hip) has missed the past two games, was limited in practice all week and has been declared out for Saturday's contest. Dustin Crum is being prepared to start for the second straight week.

Crum was just 9-of-22 passing for 111 yards and one touchdown but he helped the Redblacks (1-2) notch a 20-12 road win over the Calgary Stampeders.

"We always ask more from everybody," Ottawa coach Bob Dyce said. "But we were very happy with what Dustin did. I thought he had great command of the offense."

Ottawa ranks seventh in scoring (21.3) and eighth in total offense (327.3).

--Field Level Media