Argos must again press on without Ray

KNEE INJURY

FRANK ZICARELLI T ORON TO • Unfortunately, the Toronto Argonauts have experienced life without Ricky Ray, forced to move on like any other organization when the face of a franchise is unavailable.

It’s natural for fans to start the game of second-guessing, point to how Zach Collaros was allowed to walk for essentially nothing, and cite the exodus of Trevor Harris, who also left via free agency with nothing coming back in return.

Since he joined the Argos in 2012, Ray has now suffered an injury in what is basically three seasons with last season being a partial writeoff when Ray returned late following his lengthy rehab.

His latest setback is the same injury he first suffered against Montreal two years ago, a sprained MCL in his left knee, the same knee on which Ray wears a brace for added protection.

He’ ll be gone, perhaps back for the Aug. 31 game against the B.C. Lions or even the Labour Day matchup in Hamilton. At some point, he’ll be back and that’s the one encouraging aspect, if there even is such a thing for a hard-luck veteran who clearly deserves more given all the work he’s put in.

Durability is an issue, but football is a punishing game and even reigning league MVP Henry Burris of the Ottawa Redblacks is hurt.

No longer can a team rely on one quarterback, knowing full well the toll a player takes during an 18-game schedule. For decades, the Argos had no clue on how to scout, develop and groom a quarterback. Along comes Scott Milanovich and his offence, a carry-over from Marc Trestman with a few wrinkles, and suddenly Collaros (Hamilton), Harris (Ottawa) and even Mitchell Gale (Saskatchewan) are starting quarterbacks.

Logan Kilgore enters the void and Milanovich, along with offensive co-ordinator Marcus Brady, will design a game plan to fit Kilgore’s skills. He’s got a great arm and a quick release, but no experience. When he starts against the Redblacks in Ottawa on July 31, Kilgore will be making his first regularseason start.

He joined the team last season, had a rough outing in the pre-season and then he took ill, his year taking a turn for the worse that would see Kilgore reduced to taking mental reps during practice.

Harris came of age and there was no occasion for Kilgore to play. When Harris faltered down the stretch as Ray started to show more arm strength, the move to reinsert the veteran was made and a playoff win, which would have been the first since the 2012 Grey Cup championship, was within reach had some field goals been made, a defensive back not tripped, had two receivers not been in the same area, had a late-game roughing call not put Hamilton into field goal range.