Reigning CFL Most Outstanding Player Chad Kelly will make his season debut on Thursday when the Toronto Argonauts host the skidding Saskatchewan Roughriders.
The league suspended the quarterback for a minimum of nine regular-season games on May 7 after an investigation into allegations he had violated “gender-based violence” rules.
Kelly, 30, was reinstated by the CFL on Sunday, and two days later he apologized for his actions.
Argonauts coach Ryan Dinwiddie announced Tuesday that Kelly would be under center against the Roughriders despite participating in only three practices.
“I wanted to see (him Tuesday) and, about halfway through practice, I had my mind made up,” Dinwiddie said, per the Toronto Star.
Kelly guided the Argonauts to the Grey Cup title in 2022 and a 16-2 record last season before tossing four interceptions in the East final.
The nephew of former Buffalo Bills quarterback Jim Kelly takes over a team that is 5-4 overall and 4-1 at home in 2024.
Toronto improved upon both totals with a 39-25 victory over the visiting Calgary Stampeders on Aug. 9 before going into a bye week.
While the Argonauts hope they are on the ascent, the West-leading Roughriders (5-4-1) are mired in a 0-3-1 skid. Two losses to the Montreal Alouettes line that stretch, including a 27-24 decision last Friday when kicker Brett Lauther misfired on four of his seven field-goal attempts.
“Obviously, a tough one. Single-handedly losing that one for the guys was tough. A lot of people are working hard in this organization — not only the players and the coaches, but the fans and the people coming out. Going out and doing that, it’s unacceptable,” Lauther said
Saskatchewan quarterback Trevor Harris headlined the CFL’s Honor Roll on Tuesday after completing 31 of 39 pass attempts for 355 yards and two touchdowns. He was making the start after sustaining a knee injury on June 23.
Running back A.J. Ouellette returned from a three-game absence versus the Stampeders but has been ruled out for Thursday’s game due to a hip injury. Frankie Hickson is expected to draw the start against the Argonauts.
Saskatchewan posted a 30-23 win over Toronto on July 4.
–Field Level Media
