TORONTO – The Toronto Argonauts look to be without one of their top offensive players ahead of a crucial matchup Saturday against the B.C. Lions.
Head coach Ryan Dinwiddie confirmed that wide receiver Damonte Coxie is unlikely to suit up for the home game after missing practice on Wednesday.
The 28-year-old was injured late in the Argos’ loss to the Edmonton Elks in Week 11 after attempting to catch a pass in the air. He was hit by defensive back Tyrell Ford and then hit his head on the turf. After spending some time on the ground, Coxie eventually got to his feet and walked off the field.
Coxie is second in the CFL with 48 receptions for 854 yards and has six touchdowns. He is tied for the league lead in big plays (30-plus yards) with 10.
Coxie was also absent from practice on Monday, and with just one full practice left, his status for the game is doubtful.
“I think if he got out on the field (for practice) that maybe changes things, but we’re probably leaning toward him not being available,” Dinwiddie said after practice.
In some positive news for the team, Wynton McManis was a full participant at practice after missing Monday’s session with a triceps injury but the Argos aren’t concerned about his status.
“He’ll be good to go,” Dinwiddie confirmed. “He’s dealing with a bunch of different things right now. It’s unfortunate, but we got a long week this week and next week and then we have a bye week, so he wanted to fight through it.”
Quarterback Chad Kelly also was back on the field participating in a limited capacity.
The 31-year-old was eligible to return to practice after completing his fourth week on the six-game injured list. Whether he will be available to return after six games remains to be seen. This will be the fourth game he has missed while on that list.
“He’s looking pretty good,” Dinwiddie said about Kelly. “We’ll see what he looks like when he comes out of the sixth game and what we are going to do.”
The former league MVP has not played since having surgery on both his tibia and fibula after last year’s East final.
Toronto has gone 2-8 without Kelly this season after winning the Grey Cup for the second time in three years in 2024.
Nick Arbuckle has started in Kelly’s place, sitting second in the CFL with 3,033 yards with 17 touchdowns and 10 interceptions through 10 games this season.
Meanwhile, an ambulance was called to Wednesday’s practice after offensive lineman George Moore hit his head during a drill. Moore experienced sharp pain in his neck and down his leg, but was able to move his toes and legs after being checked by trainers. Dinwiddie described the situation as “more precaution than anything” and said the team feels Moore will be OK.