Argo cuts?

[ArgoRavi]

Teams had to cut down to 65 players plus any players with CIS eligibility remaining or juniors on Sunday. The Argos still have 83 players listed on their website. Surely there were cuts on Sunday but who were they?

[Will]

I was at practice today and noticed 4-5 players leaving the practice field at the beginning of practice (w/ knapsacks); they appeared to be going back towards the dormitory in which the Argos are staying. However, I cannot definitively say whether these players had been cut nor was I able to identify any of them.

[Qman]

Official time was one hour ago.
MTL just announced there cuts including Messam (who they tried to trade before the deadline with no takers). None announced yet for tabbies and TwoColours.

Should be soon for the Argos.

[Qman]

check that redblacks have released 5.

riders just announced, ticats and argos to go

[gilthethrill]

Teams had to cut down to 65 players plus any players with CIS eligibility remaining or juniors on Sunday. The Argos still have 83 players listed on their website. Surely there were cuts on Sunday but who were they?

I seem to recall a similar situation last season when the finals cuts across the CFL where due, nothing was announced. When driving to the home opener last season, Steve Simmons was interviewing Cohon on TSN radio. He mentioned this but Cohon just bumbled through the question without an answer.

I see National RB Jerome Messam was cut in Montreal....this will raise the ire of a certain forum member....

[paulwoods13]

I'm guessing Messam's knee is shot, but if he is healthy he would be worth bringing in for a look.

[Skinny G]

Just posted on Argos site:

<tbody style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit;">
June 16
INT
Released
Robert Gill, WR, Texas State


June 16
INT
Released
Trashaun Nixon, LB, New Mexico State


June 16
INT
Released
Andre Snipes-Booker, WR, Marshall


June 16
INT
Released
Kiante Tripp, DL, Georgia


June 16
INT
Released
Donald Washington, DB, Ohio State


June 16
NAT
Released
Craig Woloshyn, OL, Saskatchewan

</tbody>

A bit surprised bit the Tripp release

[AaronInToronto]

Only surprise for me was Gill. He looked good on the few routes I saw him play.

[ColdCrusty78]

Surprised by Gill & Tripp being cut

[zontar]

No surprises in HAM cuts. Lindsey Lamar 6 gamed.

[gilthethrill]

I forsee Gill returning when he is healthy....ala Cory Boyd in 2010.

[Wobbler]

Tripp has been battling a knee injury and missed the first pre-season game. Considering that he was expected to play a major role this year it is quite possible that he'll rejoin the team when healthy.

I'm not sure why anyone expects to see Gill again.

[Will]

One can assume that perhaps Tripp's injury is a little more long-term than may have been anticipated originally if it was enough to get him released.

[Wobbler]

Agreed. It's certainly also possible that the new interior guys have been surprisingly good and have legitimately taken away Tripp's projected spot. I hope that's the case!

[ArgoRavi]

I am surprised that the Argos could release an injured Tripp given that he is a veteran. I believe that the only way they could have done this is if his injury was sustained in the off-season. As for Gill, I will be surprised if he is brought back given his age and how deep the Argos are in the receiving corps.

[Will]

Tripp was one of the players who was walking away from the practice field with a knapsack yesterday before practice started. I didn't want to say anything until it was absolutely certain that these were the released players. Incidentally, Donald Washington did practice yesterday that I can say for sure, he must've been notified after. Gill also was riding the bicycle during practice. I wonder if either were quietly told to stick around the GTA?

[paulwoods13]

I have to admit that one of the reasons I don't like the huge rosters these days is that the excitement and anticipation and worry has largely disappeared from the cut-down process. Between the 46-man active roster, the expanded practice roster and the lack of any limitation on injury lists, teams come out of camp with 60-plus players. In the "good old days" when rosters were 34 men, you had to make some very difficult cuts to get to the limit, and there was often movement from team to team by late-cut players. Now we head into the second ex game knowing that almost everyone on the roster will still be here a week later.

On a related note, it won't come as a surprise to those who have heard me bleat on this issue before, but I'm disappointed (altho not surprised) that the game rosters are expanding to 44 this year. IMO it will lead to the dressing of more specialists whose primary or only role is to stop teams with the ball, either as extra DBs or kick-coverage specialists. I realize that more bodies means less wear and tear, but I would still prefer to see starters forced to play on special teams and staying in the game most of the time on offence and defence.

[gilthethrill]

Tripp has been battling a knee injury and missed the first pre-season game. Considering that he was expected to play a major role this year it is quite possible that he'll rejoin the team when healthy.

I'm not sure why anyone expects to see Gill again.

Gill brings speed. Lots of it. The only catch he made it felt like he was going go a long way. I realize our receiving corps is deep, but our return game needs revamping. I saw Gill as a player who could fill that roll.


I have to admit that one of the reasons I don't like the huge rosters these days is that the excitement and anticipation and worry has largely disappeared from the cut-down process. Between the 46-man active roster, the expanded practice roster and the lack of any limitation on injury lists, teams come out of camp with 60-plus players. In the "good old days" when rosters were 34 men, you had to make some very difficult cuts to get to the limit, and there was often movement from team to team by late-cut players. Now we head into the second ex game knowing that almost everyone on the roster will still be here a week later.

On a related note, it won't come as a surprise to those who have heard me bleat on this issue before, but I'm disappointed (altho not surprised) that the game rosters are expanding to 44 this year. IMO it will lead to the dressing of more specialists whose primary or only role is to stop teams with the ball, either as extra DBs or kick-coverage specialists. I realize that more bodies means less wear and tear, but I would still prefer to see starters forced to play on special teams and staying in the game most of the time on offence and defence.

I agree Paul. I am not thrilled about the game rosters being increased by 2 spots. The NFL is a prime example of too many specialists. I thought 42 was a good sized roster with most players being involved in the game.

[argotom]

I have to admit that one of the reasons I don't like the huge rosters these days is that the excitement and anticipation and worry has largely disappeared from the cut-down process. Between the 46-man active roster, the expanded practice roster and the lack of any limitation on injury lists, teams come out of camp with 60-plus players. In the "good old days" when rosters were 34 men, you had to make some very difficult cuts to get to the limit, and there was often movement from team to team by late-cut players. Now we head into the second ex game knowing that almost everyone on the roster will still be here a week later.

On a related note, it won't come as a surprise to those who have heard me bleat on this issue before, but I'm disappointed (altho not surprised) that the game rosters are expanding to 44 this year. IMO it will lead to the dressing of more specialists whose primary or only role is to stop teams with the ball, either as extra DBs or kick-coverage specialists. I realize that more bodies means less wear and tear, but I would still prefer to see starters forced to play on special teams and staying in the game most of the time on offence and defence.

It's the evolution of sport.
Bigger, faster, stronger equals more injuries.
To stay competitive, the teams are therefore almost required to keep many bodies over and above the roster size and the now new practice roster to stay and plug in in case of injuries.

[1argoholic]

Hard enough the last few years to keep up with all of the CFL players names. Just makes it that much more difficult when guys come and go like crazy. Larger rosters means you have to keep the old brain sharp to keep up with the player movement. The part I hate about sports. No one is ever content and or loyal. It is what it is as they say.

[ArgoRavi]

I have to admit that one of the reasons I don't like the huge rosters these days is that the excitement and anticipation and worry has largely disappeared from the cut-down process. Between the 46-man active roster, the expanded practice roster and the lack of any limitation on injury lists, teams come out of camp with 60-plus players. In the "good old days" when rosters were 34 men, you had to make some very difficult cuts to get to the limit, and there was often movement from team to team by late-cut players. Now we head into the second ex game knowing that almost everyone on the roster will still be here a week later.

On a related note, it won't come as a surprise to those who have heard me bleat on this issue before, but I'm disappointed (altho not surprised) that the game rosters are expanding to 44 this year. IMO it will lead to the dressing of more specialists whose primary or only role is to stop teams with the ball, either as extra DBs or kick-coverage specialists. I realize that more bodies means less wear and tear, but I would still prefer to see starters forced to play on special teams and staying in the game most of the time on offence and defence.

I have expressed similar concerns to you over the last few years, Paul. I am trying to look at the expanded rosters as a player safety issue now to feel better about it. It is funny though that back in the 1980s, the NFL active roster consisted of 45 players and we used to laugh at that and now CFL rosters consist of only one fewer player.

By way of comparison, look at player participation for the 1978 Edmonton Eskimos: http://stats.cfldb.ca/team/edmonton-eskimos/roster/1978/

They used only 38 players for the entire season and followed that up by using 40 the next season. Of course, a few of those players had a tough time post-retirement with three of them dying in recent years (David Boone, York Hentschel and Bill Stevenson) and the effects of repeated concussions have been suggested to have played a role in those early deaths.

[Rich]

IMO it will lead to the dressing of more specialists whose primary or only role is to stop teams with the ball, either as extra DBs or kick-coverage specialists.

I don't get why the 2 extra roster spots is necessarily an advantage for the defence. Wouldn't dressing a 2nd INT RB be a big advantage for the offense, some fresh legs that could counteract any fresh legs on defence? An extra KR specialist, ST blocking specialist, or WR could do the same thing, no?

[ArgoRavi]

I don't get why the 2 extra roster spots is necessarily an advantage for the defence. Wouldn't dressing a 2nd INT RB be a big advantage for the offense, some fresh legs that could counteract any fresh legs on defence? An extra KR specialist, ST blocking specialist, or WR could do the same thing, no?

IIRC, a roster size increase in '06-'07 coincided with what I like to call the "dead ball era" in Canadian football. Those two years saw scoring decline considerably and one of the reasons that has been proposed is that teams loaded up on defence and special teams coverage with extra imports. Having said that, the same effect did not appear to happen when rosters increased again a few years ago.

[Wobbler]

When asked about the roster increase last week, Milanovich said that they were still deciding what to do, but indicated that his priorities were to add an extra DB and LB. If that is a typical attitude (which seems likely) then yes, we can expect somewhat more effective defenses.

[ArgoRavi]

When asked about the roster increase last week, Milanovich said that they were still deciding what to do, but indicated that his priorities were to add an extra DB and LB. If that is a typical attitude (which seems likely) then yes, we can expect somewhat more effective defenses.

One thing that I hope that the Argos do - and I think that they are in a great position to do this given the continuity on offence - is to run a no huddle offence with frequency. With the change in rules this year, if they can run a no huddle offence, then defences won't be able to make substitutions.

[Invader]

Until 1950, Canadian football players had to play offence, defence and ST, because if you left the field for any reason, you couldn't re-enter the game until the start of the next quarter. It was also a penalty to "coach from the sidelines"...them's was the good 'ole days. ;)

[paulwoods13]

I don't get why the 2 extra roster spots is necessarily an advantage for the defence. Wouldn't dressing a 2nd INT RB be a big advantage for the offense, some fresh legs that could counteract any fresh legs on defence? An extra KR specialist, ST blocking specialist, or WR could do the same thing, no?

Yes, but I will believe it when I see it. Teams have tended to use DBs and LBs in their DI spots. If any team would make sense to load up with offensive weapons, it would be the Argos. Keep giving RR fresh legs at receiver, and a second RB who can block and catch -- makes sense and I hope they try it.

[paulwoods13]

One thing that I hope that the Argos do - and I think that they are in a great position to do this given the continuity on offence - is to run a no huddle offence with frequency. With the change in rules this year, if they can run a no huddle offence, then defences won't be able to make substitutions.

Absolutely correct. There's no reason we shouldn't be able to use no huddle regularly.

[Rich]

When asked about the roster increase last week, Milanovich said that they were still deciding what to do, but indicated that his priorities were to add an extra DB and LB. If that is a typical attitude (which seems likely) then yes, we can expect somewhat more effective defenses.

This falls under the category of your typical, play-it-safe CFL "groupthink", does it not?

[Wobbler]

Adding an extra DB makes perfect sense to me. At the other positions we have backups that don't end up doing much (as position players). Every DB we dress usually sees quite a bit of action, because we only carry one extra guy and he comes in on nickel defense. If anyone gets hurt, it causes significant problems. The other extra guy could be used in several different ways. I can certainly see the case for a run-, pass-, or ST-specialist LB, but having another WR might also be the way to go. Hopefully we'll experiment a bit.

[bluto]

when i consider the amount of field that DBs and pass coverage LBs need to cover (usually at a sprint) every 20+ seconds i reckon that you could never have too many of these guys. i know they're all fit, but pass coverage in our league is more than enough to test anyone's fitness.

[ubbullrun]

Depend on the DB and LB they add

[Wobbler]

Kent Richardson (DB) was released today and has already signed an AFL contract.

[Wobbler]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>The <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Argos&amp;src=hash">#Argos</a> released 2014 6th round pick and <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23SFUClan&amp;src=hash">#SFUClan</a> alum SB Tore Corrado today following their final pre-season game last night</p>&mdash; Mac D (@SFUMacD) <a href="https://twitter.com/SFUMacD/statuses/480105152959881216">June 20, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[Argocister]

Corrado .... Will he make the practice roster? I can't recall him showing much during the preseason games .

[gilthethrill]

Kent Richardson (DB) was released today and has already signed an AFL contract.

It's good to see a player get cut & have another opportunity to continue to play pro football.

[1argoholic]

Yes it's a good thing except Richardson is playing in a bush league now. Just can't get into AFL.

[Will]

Based on a few tweets from yesterday it appears that Eric (Matt's brother) Black will be making the team.

[paulwoods13]

Based on a few tweets from yesterday it appears that Eric (Matt's brother) Black will be making the team.

At the expense of Herbert, perhaps? Both guys played with the third DB unit in the second half, Herbert at CB (altho the latter also got some first-half reps). I can't see dressing all three of M Black, Gabriel and E Black unless E Black is a monster special teamer, or unless M Black is moved to CB and we start two NATs in the secondary.

[ArgoRavi]

Kent Richardson (DB) was released today and has already signed an AFL contract.

I suspect that Richardson had that job lined up just in case things didn't work out in Toronto. He might even be returning to the same team if he had left the AFL to try his luck in Toronto.

BTW, why are Argo cuts treated like such a state secret? They were made yesterday but, according to Zicarelli, won't be announced until tomorrow. Why? Ottawa announced their cuts this afternoon.

[Argocister]

...........
BTW, why are Argo cuts treated like such a state secret? They were made yesterday but, according to Zicarelli, won't be announced until tomorrow. Why? Ottawa announced their cuts this afternoon.

i have been checking the CFL site over the last hour or so , to follow the cuts across the league. As time goes on the updates show the teams listing their cuts ..... except at 11:27 the Argos cuts still have not been printed. http://cfl.ca/article/moving-day-teams-continue-trimming-rosters

So maybe I can go to bed if Zicarelli is right?

Maybe some of the team have not been contacted?

[Wobbler]

Firing people is hard.

[ArgoRavi]

i have been checking the CFL site over the last hour or so , to follow the cuts across the league. As time goes on the updates show the teams listing their cuts ..... except at 11:27 the Argos cuts still have not been printed. http://cfl.ca/article/moving-day-teams-continue-trimming-rosters

So maybe I can go to bed if Zicarelli is right?

Maybe some of the team have not been contacted?

All of the players reportedly knew as of Friday and the deadline was 10 pm on Saturday. Cuts are made in person so everyone knows by now except the fans. Unfortunately, we just have to accept that this is the way this team does things.

[gilthethrill]

As a long time Argo fan I use to look forward to reading the list of final TC cuts. Recent years however it has been frustrating how this team keeps information shrouded in mystery.

[doubleblue]

Don't know why It Is such a big dark secret. It can't be trying to hide players from other teams as rosters had to be registered to the League office by 10:00. Same deadline for everybody. So the other teams would know who the Argos cut so I would have to assume they didn't want the media and fans to know until they were good and ready. NFL style, Fans and Media are a necessary evil.

[Will]

Every other team in the league seemed to be able to inform their fans on a timely basis of who was cut. Why can't the Argos?

[Will]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>1/2 <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Argos&amp;src=hash">#Argos</a> Cuts: WR Bryant LS Benson WR Corrado DL Davis WR Falslev OL Fletcher OL Griffiths K/P Jasper <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23CFL&amp;src=hash">#CFL</a></p>&mdash; Toronto Argonauts (@TorontoArgos) <a href="https://twitter.com/TorontoArgos/statuses/480705565878796290">June 22, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>2/2 <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Argos&amp;src=hash">#Argos</a> Cuts: LB Lackey DB Lawrence DB Martin Jr. WR Pszczonak DL Scott WR Stroud <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23CFL&amp;src=hash">#CFL</a></p>&mdash; Toronto Argonauts (@TorontoArgos) <a href="https://twitter.com/TorontoArgos/statuses/480705774738370561">June 22, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[Will]

Romby Bryant may not necessarily have had a poor camp, but younger guys like Darvin Adams and Terrelle Sinkfield made him expendable. I assume a guy like Pszczonak has another year of eligibility left in the CIS?

[ArgoGabe22]

We have 3 fullbacks, 4 if you count Woodson and also 5 QBs on active roster.

[Stevoman]

My biggest shock is Alonzo Lawrence. McCullogh (Ham) and Isaac (Riders) were also other surprising cuts around the league. I guess many teams are happy with new guys being brought in for DB. Also, surprising is the amount of QB's on the roster.

[ArgoGabe22]

Also, surprising is the amount of QB's on the roster.

I think 5 is the norm now. I would think Pachall would be moved to the injured list to start the season.

[shayman]

WR Evan Pszczonak would have been the first player in CFL history whose last name started with five consonants.

(yes, I actually checked.)

[ColdCrusty78]

Definitely some new blood being brought in this year and taking hold.

[bluto]

Zo Lawrence is a surprise. if he isn't hurt, i hope this means that the new blood really stepped up.

[argotom]

I don't get it either, the league mandates a time limit and therefore the league should have all roster moves available on line at the same time.

[Skinny G]

Was Lawrence hurt during training camp? I thought he brought some good size and strength to go against some of the bigger receivers. I remember him having good speed and reaction to the ball, and laying some solid hits. Would've been nice to have him and Ware as 2 bigger DBs IMO.

[ArgoRavi]

I am still counting 53 players on the active roster and that doesn't include Marcus Thomas so eight of those should be headed to the various injured lists. I would think that QB Josh Portis will be one of those.

[Wobbler]

It looks like Johnson won the starting tailback job, Slaton will go to the IR, and Steele will be listed as the backup.

[Will]

Source Wobbler?

[Argocister]

R.......... I assume a guy like Pszczonak has another year of eligibility left in the CIS?
At fan day his family was saying that he expected to go back for another year. He doe shave eligibility left.
I believe Griffiths does too.
But this means they are free agents next year right?


It looks like Johnson won the starting tailback job, Slaton will go to the IR, and Steele will be listed as the backup.

I was thinking when Milanoviich commented that Slaton had a hamstring problem,..... great we can keep all three RBs ..... for at least 6 games. :)

[Wobbler]

Source Wobbler?
"Independent research". ;) I'm reading between the lines based on Milanovich's comments: Johnson received special praise and he mentioned that Slaton has a minor hamstring problem.

[ArgoRavi]

At fan day his family was saying that he expected to go back for another year. He doe shave eligibility left.
I believe Griffiths does too.
But this means they are free agents next year right?

Yes, they do become free agents so if they come back to the CFL, it may not necessarily be with Toronto. However, there would be advantages in them doing so given that they know the system (assuming that it stays the same next year). Of course, the team may or may not be interested in having them back.

BTW, the Argos did well in this year's draft as their first five picks - Coombs, Dhillon, Miles, Dupuis, and Black - made their PR at least while only their final three picks did not make the team (Pszczonak, Corrado, and Fletcher).

[Argocister]

.........

BTW, the Argos did well in this year's draft as their first five picks - Coombs, Dhillon, Miles, Dupuis, and Black - made their PR at least while only their final three picks did not make the team (Pszczonak, Corrado, and Fletcher).

I agree, it does reflect well on their original choices.
Now, if the Argos had placed them on the suspended list, then would the players return to school and only return to the Argos the year after?

[Qman]

I agree, it does reflect well on their original choices.
Now, if the Argos had placed them on the suspended list, then would the players return to school and only return to the Argos the year after?

this the transition year in the draft rules (ie. half the guys are eligible next year instead of in this class), so the guys drafted in the later rounds would normally not have been drafted.

[Wobbler]

We have 3 fullbacks, 4 if you count Woodson.
We basically use Robinson as a TE, but yeah, I'm surprised that we kept both Dupuis and Gillanders.

Edit: In the video below, Barker indicates that the main reason we kept so many RBs and FBs is that several of them are good special teamers, which makes sense.

[Wobbler]

According to Barker (http://argonauts.ca/video/index/id/97647?utm_source=bungabunga&utm_medium=sillywiggle&utm_campaign=invasion), we're only keeping 5 QBs until Portis is healthy and we can make a final decision on who is our #3.

[paulwoods13]

Lawrence had dropped to the second unit in the secondary by Thursday's game so I'm not terribly surprised he got cut. I'm glad they are not cutting Portis loose without giving him a chance to get healthy, altho it will be tough for any of the QBs other than RR and TH (or MG if he supplants TH as No. 2) to get practice reps during the season. The two young NAT o-linemen they cut are good prospects and I hope both come back next season. I think Corrado is done as a pro -- looked way too small to me.

[gilthethrill]

Surprised to see Marcus Thomas return. I did not forsee Eric Black cracking the roster. At this point it appears the 2014 draft was productive. Too bad about Romby Bryant, but Adams and Sinkfield played really well in preseason.

[dmont]

.

Alonzo Lawrence was the only real surprise cut for me.

I'm glad to see a few guys making the P.R., Jas Dhillon but especially Shane Herbert. I remember they were really excited about him last year before his season-ending injury. I hope he gets another shot.

Some thoughts about our roster;

1. I'm surprised we're keeping five QBs around. From listening to Barker's comments on video, it sounds like Gale is our 3rd QB "for now"... as in "until Portis is better". That's surprising to me, I thought Gale had an excellent preseason. I hope Barker knows what he's doing there.

2. We've got a lot of RB/FB types on the roster. I'm thinking Coombs will eventually be a SB like Durie, so I'm not going to mentally include him as an RB for now. I was sure they would keep Steele as a backup and special teams player, but I'm a little surprised that Slaton is still around, not for lack of talent but due to the scarcity at other spots. I'm a little surprised to see Gillanders, just because he was undrafted and I didn't hear much about him all TC or preseason. Is he a possible long snapper?

3. Half of our wide receivers are nationals. When was the last time we could say that? I'm thinking Adjei and Coombs are both looked at as Durie-types for the future. If they both end up being as good as he is, then they could both stick as SBs. Every year I'm always a little surprised to see Bradwell still making it. I know he's a good special teamer and he's got reliable hands, but I think he's plateaued and I don't see him breaking through as a starter. When does his spot go to a youngster with potential?

4. Does it seem to anyone else like we're not carrying very many guys at the DB/S spot? A little surprised to see Eric Black not cut or on the PR. It doesn't look like we're planning to regularly play a national at DB anytime soon, so why not keep more international depth there to back up the regulars?

5. That is a lot of linebackers, particularly national linebackers. Lots of special teams guys here. Looks like Miles is our backup longsnapper. Any potential backups for the secondary? I know Robinson played a little DB last year. I bet Greg Jones is Emry's backup, and if ratio becomes a problem, one of these nationals it going to take over at weak- or strong-side.

6. That's more D-linemen than I thought would make the final cut. I also saw Marcus Thomas was "activated", whatever that means, but he's not listed on the roster. D-line is shaping up to be pretty scary, and it looks like there's lots of depth.

All in all, I'm excited about this roster! I'm guessing we'll see a lot of nationals getting serious minutes once the inevitable injuries hit. Stay healthy Ricky!

[ArgoRavi]

I agree, it does reflect well on their original choices.
Now, if the Argos had placed them on the suspended list, then would the players return to school and only return to the Argos the year after?

If the Argos had put them on the suspended list, I don't believe that those players could have played anywhere including the CIS this year.

[ArgoRavi]

I'm a little surprised to see Gillanders, just because he was undrafted and I didn't hear much about him all TC or preseason. Is he a possible long snapper?

I noticed that he played well on special teams against Winnipeg and he had two special teams tackles against Hamilton so I can't say that I am surprised that he made it. He is not a long-snapper btw.

[Will]

He did play well on special teams. I noticed him hustling against Hamilton and he made a few special teams tackles. The long snapper will be Jake Reinhart.

[paulwoods13]

1. I'm surprised we're keeping five QBs around. From listening to Barker's comments on video, it sounds like Gale is our 3rd QB "for now"... as in "until Portis is better". That's surprising to me, I thought Gale had an excellent preseason. I hope Barker knows what he's doing there.


I didn't listen to Barker, but he might mean that Gale is No. 3 for now because he is pushing to become No. 2. A case could be made that Gale beat out Harris for No. 2, based on how he played against Hamilton.


I'm thinking Coombs will eventually be a SB like Durie, so I'm not going to mentally include him as an RB for now. I was sure they would keep Steele as a backup and special teams player, but I'm a little surprised that Slaton is still around, not for lack of talent but due to the scarcity at other spots. I'm a little surprised to see Gillanders, just because he was undrafted and I didn't hear much about him all TC or preseason. Is he a possible long snapper?

Coombs basically played the Durie position on every snap he was in last Thursday, so I think he is already more of a SB than an RB. I doubt Gillanders will do any long snapping since he didn't do it during last week's game. He's here at this point to contribute on kick coverage and return blocking, and I imagine they will not dress both him and Dupuis at all times.


Every year I'm always a little surprised to see Bradwell still making it. I know he's a good special teamer and he's got reliable hands, but I think he's plateaued and I don't see him breaking through as a starter. When does his spot go to a youngster with potential?

Bradwell is not going to develop into a starting receiver, but the role he plays is very important and should not be minimized. He is basically a Bryan Crawford-type guy, very important on special teams. And I believe he is also holding on place-kicks this season, also a very important job.

[jerrym]

I too am surprised that Lawrence is gone.

[ArgoRavi]

I didn't listen to Barker, but he might mean that Gale is No. 3 for now because he is pushing to become No. 2. A case could be made that Gale beat out Harris for No. 2, based on how he played against Hamilton.

Did Milanovich not say after the Winnipeg game that Harris had won the #2 job? I am surprised by the suggestion that Harris may have lost that job to Gale based on the Hamilton game. Was Harris really that bad on Thursday night?

[Will]

Harris looked all right for 1/2 of his time on Thursday and led the Argos down field for a touchdown drive. He threw an interception, however, and I got the sense that he struggled after that. I wasn't watching much at that point because I had gone to the washroom and afterwords went to talk to ArgoAnia who was at field level and thus I was unable to see what was really going on.

[Skinny G]

Looks like the Argos are bringing in Jamel Richardson: http://www.tsn.ca/cfl/story/?id=455479

[paulwoods13]

Did Milanovich not say after the Winnipeg game that Harris had won the #2 job? I am surprised by the suggestion that Harris may have lost that job to Gale based on the Hamilton game. Was Harris really that bad on Thursday night?

It's more that Gale looked really, really good. Harris's first drive was smooth but he and the offence didn't do much on his subsequent possessions. Then Gale came in and looked like a RR clone.

[doubleblue]

It's more that Gale looked really, really good. Harris's first drive was smooth but he and the offence didn't do much on his subsequent possessions. Then Gale came in and looked like a RR clone.

IMO I think it is just a matter of time before Gale takes over the #2 spot. I thought he looked the better of the four backups going right back to rookie camp. His mobility can't be matched by Harris and if he continues to show a consistency in his passing I think he has more upside. I think the Argos like all of their backup QB's but will eventually trade one when they get their asking price. I just don't think it will be Mitchell Gale.

[Wobbler]

Looks like the Argos are bringing in Jamel Richardson: http://www.tsn.ca/cfl/story/?id=455479
Interesting. It doesn't sound as though he's healthy, but *if* we consider his condition acceptable *and* sign him *and* he heals up, he'd take Barnes spot.

Strange that Montreal wouldn't be more patient if he just needs extra time to heal, though. I suppose they were paying him quite a lot, and may have concluded that he was no longer worth it.

[Argocister]

.........

Strange that Montreal wouldn't be more patient if he just needs extra time to heal, though. I suppose they were paying him quite a lot, and may have concluded that he was no longer worth it.

i will have to look up where I read this, but it seems that Richardson is the one that didn't want to rehab with the Als, not the other way around.

There is also a news article commenting on this but here is Popps tweet.....

Jim Popp @PoppJim · 11h

@MoeKhan19 let's set the record straight...Jamel made his own decision to be let go. We offered him guaranteed $ and rehab, he opted out.

[Rich]

Coombs basically played the Durie position on every snap he was in last Thursday, so I think he is already more of a SB than an RB.


I saw Coombs lineup at the TB spot on several occasions. He took 3 carries there. In Barker's interview today he said that Coombs' work at SB is temporary, and that the plan is still to have him play out of the TB spot.

[Wobbler]

i will have to look up where I read this, but it seems that Richardson is the one that didn't want to rehab with the Als, not the other way around.

There is also a news article commenting on this but here is Popps tweet.....

Jim Popp @PoppJim · 11h

@MoeKhan19 let's set the record straight...Jamel made his own decision to be let go. We offered him guaranteed $ and rehab, he opted out.
Interesting. I assume that "guaranteed $" translates to "less money", and he balked. Well, hopefully this will work out for us!

[Wobbler]

Herb Zurkowsky has an article (http://www.montrealgazette.com/sports/football/montreal-alouettes/Alouettes+release+injured+receiver/9964504/story.html?rel=873605) that gives a lot of background info on the Richardson situation.

[ArgoRavi]

Herb Zurkowsky has an article (http://www.montrealgazette.com/sports/football/montreal-alouettes/Alouettes+release+injured+receiver/9964504/story.html?rel=873605) that gives a lot of background info on the Richardson situation.

Richardson's play has slipped a bit over the last couple of years. Can he still be more productive than any of the current international Argo receivers? That is the key question.

[gilthethrill]

Did Andre Durie play a down in the pre-season? Is he injured?

[paulwoods13]

I saw Coombs lineup at the TB spot on several occasions. He took 3 carries there. In Barker's interview today he said that Coombs' work at SB is temporary, and that the plan is still to have him play out of the TB spot.

OK, tnx. It looked to me as if his carries were on sweeps from the SB position, very much like when Durie gets a carry out of the slot, but I wasn't watching how he lined up on every play. I still think his long-term role is in the Durie position altho to get on the field in the next few years he'll have to play elsewhere.

[Will]

Did Andre Durie play a down in the pre-season? Is he injured?

I think he's had a nagging injury or something like that.

[Wobbler]

According to Ganter (http://www.torontosun.com/2014/06/22/argonauts-put-faith-in-young-running-backs?utm_source=hootsuite&utm_campaign=hootsuite), as many as three of our DL will go on the IR (which admittedly doesn't mean that they are all hurt) and we've "brought back" Tristan Okpalaugo and put him on the PR. I don't remember Okpalaugo ever being an Argo, but oh well - he is now!