Offensive catalyst
Toronto’s offence gets a much-needed boost with talented receiver’s return from ankle injury
TORONTO — Tori Gurley has been there and done that, seen just about everything there is to see in football and thought he had experienced all the sport has to offer.
And then came an ankle injury against B.C. back in Week 3.
“I didn’t want to take off my shoe,’’ he recalls.
He kept it on and continued to play, hoping to contribute any way he could as the Argos would go on to beat the Lions, B.C.’s first loss after opening the season with wins over Calgary and Hamilton.
Gurley’s injury would be diagnosed as a high ankle sprain.
He tried to play in Toronto’s home game versus Ottawa, but was ruled out in the moments leading up to kickoff.
“I tried to give it a go and it wouldn’t go,’’ said Gurley. “I’ve been out ever since.”
He’s now back as the Argos look to get back on track following two demoralizing losses, both at home, to Winnipeg and Edmonton.
His timing coincides with the Argos getting some injured players back, namely Ricky Ray, as the team hits the CFL’s mid-season point Wednesday night against the Lions.
The Lions are a solid and physical team that has played its best football on the road, coming off a win in Ottawa.
The Argos have not looked good, but remarkably a win against the Lions and the Argos will vault into first place with Labour Day approaching and a home and home set against the Tiger-Cats.
No one is looking past the Lions, including Gurley, a big and physical receiver who will make plays in the air.
As you might expect, Gurley’s competitive side was pleading for a quicker comeback, while coach Scott Milanovich preached the bigpicture approach, which Gurley embraced.
“I realized it after he talked to me,’’ said Gurley. “It feels good to be healthy and help my team.”
There’s no doubt a healthy Gurley will help an Argos offence that has looked woeful.
The Argos aren’t totally healthy, but they are getting closer, especially on offence.
Vidal Hazelton will be the oddman out against B.C. as the receiving unit will likely feature Gurley, Kenny Shaw, Kevin Elliott and Diontae Spencer as the primary options.
“We feed off each other’s energy,’’ said Gurley of the receivers. “Our entire team, but especially our receiving corps, we’re a bunch of jokesters, but we’re very competitive and we love to work. And all that matters to us is winning.
“We understand we have an opportunity to play for first place. We have a chance to do some special things and we need to execute. What we need to do is stay on top of the little things.
“I think we’ve had minor mistakes that have mounted and then they turn into major setbacks. Our best chance to win is by eliminating those small things.”
Ray’s presence is the key and pass protection.
“He’s as cool as a fan,’’ added Gurley. “He’s that guy who keeps everyone mellow in the huddle. It’s great to have him in there. He always makes the right reads, the right throw and we just got to get it.”