Toronto Argonauts: 2018 season already looking like an uphill struggle
By Paul Taylor
The Toronto Argonauts received some disheartening news on Monday, as it was confirmed Ricky Ray would miss significant time with a neck injury.
Heading into the 2018 season we asked five questions, including whether or not the Toronto Argonauts would repeat as Grey Cup champions. Well, we’re only two weeks into the campaign, and it’s already looking questionable.
For a start, the Argonauts are 0-2 after suffering a humiliating 41-7 blowout loss in their home opener, against the Calgary Stampeders. Sadly though, this is not the main reason we’re now doubting their ability to win consecutive Grey Cups.
Of more significance, was the sight of Ricky Ray being stretchered off the field on Saturday night, with his head immobilized. It was a scary time for everyone involved, as the game was delayed for more than 20 minutes while the star quarterback was attended to.
Of course, the main concern is that Ray has not suffered any life-altering injuries, which — initially at least — doesn’t seem to be the case. Still, purely from a sporting-perspective, the latest news does not bode well for the Argos and their fans.
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As reported by CFL.ca on Monday night, the four-time Grey Cup champion will miss significant time after sustaining a neck injury. The news was confirmed in a team statement, after he was released from hospital.
While ‘significant time’ is ambiguous in its description, it still points to a considerable period of time without Ray. And with the medical staff unable to provide a more accurate timeline, we cannot discount the possibility — however slight — that the injury is season-ending, especially with no one wanting to take any chances with a neck-related issue.
James Franklin is in line to take over as the Argonauts’ starting quarterback. But with all due respect to Franklin, this doesn’t bode particularly well for the team (not that I would have any problem with being proved wrong in this).
If the worst case scenario emerges for Ray, i.e. that his season is indeed over, fans then have to wake up to the reality they may have seen him play for the last time. And if so, what an unfitting end to such a spectacular career.
Not that you should feel particularly sorry for a man who has achieved so much success during his 16 years in the CFL. Still, Ray deserves better and we can all only hope he is able to return this season, preferably to a Toronto Argonauts team still in playoff contention.
Next: Argos suffer blowout loss in home opener
How confident are you in the Toronto Argonauts’ ability to bounce back from a 0-2 start, especially without Ray? Do you predict a playoff spot for the Double Blue, or are you convinced the 2018 season is already over for them? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.