The Ottawa Redblacks have only two opportunities remaining to avoid the first winless season in the 68-year history of the CFL. The first of those is Friday night when they host the Toronto Argonauts.
Ottawa (0-16) has dropped 22 consecutive games dating back to September 2025, and the first season under coach Ryan Dinwiddie has been a disaster.
“I’ve got to do a better job of helping this club win the football games,” Dinwiddie told reporters. “We’re not where we want to be.”
The Redblacks were routed 41-20 by the host BC Lions last weekend. They conclude the season against the host Hamilton Tiger-Cats on Oct. 24.
Toronto (9-7) has already clinched second place in the East Division, but the Argonauts don’t want to be the team that loses to the Redblacks.
“It’s not about Ottawa,” Argonauts veteran defensive lineman Shawn Lemon said. “It’s about this Argos team getting a bit better.”
Toronto star quarterback Chad Kelly will return from an injury to his throwing hand. He missed one game. The Argonauts had a bye last week.
Kelly has passed for 5,067 yards and 33 touchdowns but has also thrown a league-worst 24 interceptions.
Toronto has three 1,000-yard receivers in Damonte Coxie (1,317 yards), David Ungerer III (1,066) and Tyler Kahmann (1,019). Kevin Mital (871) has the chance to make it a quartet.
Ottawa will trot out quarterback Bryson Barnes for his first career start. The 25-year-old rookie is 10-for-13 with 110 yards and one interception in spot play and also has rushed for nine touchdowns.
“I’ve been able to get a bit of experience here and there, at the end of games and getting in on short yardage,” Barnes said. “I’ve had 20-something weeks to be able to learn the playbook, learn the defenses and get exposure to what the game is like up here. If I were to go into a game not ready, it’s 100% on me.”
Barnes won’t have top target Justin Hardy (leg) on the field, as he was ruled out on Thursday. Hardy has 89 receptions for 1,123 yards and six touchdowns.
The Argonauts own 44-24 and 26-23 victories against Ottawa this season and have won 18 of the past 22 meetings. Mital caught eight passes for 178 yards in the first meeting on June 20.
Kelly passed for 424 and 443 yards in the two victories. He threw a combined six touchdowns but was also intercepted six times.
Lemon, a 15-year CFL veteran, knows Toronto has nothing to play for on Friday. But he also understands the importance of strong late-season performances.
“Confidence is high,” said Lemon, 38. “We can beat anybody in this league. … Everything we want is right there in front of us.”
–Field Level Media
