Toronto Argonauts Announce Final Roster Cuts

Aug 17, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Toronto Argonauts head coach Scott Milanovich on the sidelines against the BC Lions at Rogers Centre. BC defeated Toronto 33-17. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 17, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Toronto Argonauts head coach Scott Milanovich on the sidelines against the BC Lions at Rogers Centre. BC defeated Toronto 33-17. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports /
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With Thursday’s home opener approaching the Toronto Argonauts announced big cuts to their roster and the addition of players to their practice roster.

While there is still many moves that need to be made before they kick off their season, the Toronto Argonauts announced major cuts to their roster and additions to their practice roster.

This comes as no surprise as the team played their final preseason game against the Montreal Alouettes before they take on the Hamilton Tiger Cats in the season opener.

"Roster moves via argonauts.ca:INT RB Edwin BakerNAT RB Dillon CampbellNAT OL Joe CircelliINT OL Fou FonotiINT DB Travis HawkinsNAT DB Shane HerbertNAT LS Joseph IatzkoNAT OL Chris KolankwoskiINT DB Jimmy LegreeNAT K Zach MedeirosNAT WR Ryan NieuwesteegINT OL Damien ParrisNAT LB Herve Tonye-TonyeINT DL  Joshua WatsonINT LB Nicholas WilliamsINT DL Trevardo WilliamsThe following players have been added to the club’s practice roster:INT WR Markeith AmblesINT DL Kenny BishopNAT WR Kevin BradfieldINT QB Mitchell GaleINT RB Chad KackertNAT LB Curtis NewtonINT OL Devonte WallaceNAT WR Malcolm WilliamsNAT WR Devon Wylie"

Teams are required to reduce their roster to 46 active players as the next few days mark the move from training camp to regular season.

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A noteable cut was Travis Hawkins who made the Argos team as a rookie last season but now sees himself without a spot this season. The one area that was tough to make a decision on was at running back according to head coach Scott Milanovich.

They had recently cut former CFL Grey Cup MVP RB Chad Kackert in the first round of cuts, but he has returned to the Argos and could suit up in the home opener. Kackert has been through a great ordeal the last couple of years, he retired after suffering a serious ankle injury but made a return with the Argos last season. In seven games last year, Kackert had 39 carries for 235 yards and 10 receptions for 76 yards.

The Argos also announced that they signed receiver and kick returner Larry Taylor who last played with the Alouettes in 2014. The two-time all-star in 2009 and 2013 and most outstanding special teams player back in 2009 will probably be used mostly as a kick returner.

The Argos will be in a tough battle against the Tiger Cats for top spot in the East this season, but with veteran QB Ricky Ray back it should give the Argos a much needed boost.

Next: Argos: Logan Kilgore Wins Backup QB Job

The team is also hoping that their new home at BMO Field will provide a more intimate feel for fans and hopefully a more exciting atmosphere. It all starts against their divisional rivals on Thursday evening at 7:30 with the game being televised on TSN.