Toronto Argonauts look for spark with Dexter McCluster
Former NFL return specialist Dexter McCluster is coming to the CFL, with a chance to earn some playing time with the Toronto Argonauts.
It looks like Dexter McCluster will be making his way up north with the Toronto Argonauts after agreeing to a contract on Monday. 3DownNation’s Justin Dunk initially reported back on July 10 that the former NFL player was being worked out by the team.
The 29-year-old was a second-round pick of the Kansas City Chiefs back in 2010 and was mainly used as a return specialist and as a dual threat in the backfield. McCluster hasn’t played in the NFL since 2016 with the San Diego Chargers.
In McCluster, the Argos are getting a player who made the Pro Bowl in 2013. However, with the changes made to kickoffs in the NFL, return specialists have found a tough time getting an opportunity.
Toronto ranks last in kick return yards with 90 and with their offence struggling to start the season, McCluster could bring a spark at least on special teams. It also helps that he can be a receiving threat out of the backfield.
Who remembers when Dexter McCluster made everybody miss? 🏃 #TouchdownTuesday pic.twitter.com/vDDa8zGsia
— Arrowheads Abroad 🇩🇪 #FrAAnkenfurters 🇩🇪 (@KCChiefs_UK) July 11, 2017
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It is not uncommon for players who have been out of the game to get back onto the field, with Victor Butler and Akeem Jordan both earning a spot on the active roster.
With Malcolm Williams, Llevi Noel and Jimmy Ralph starting on the offensive side of the ball, McCluster can potentially see some reps at running back behind James Wilder Jr., which they tried to do with Brandon Burks.
McCluster has been known for his explosive speed and ability to evade tackles should benefit his game.
The Argos will try to get back on track after a 16-15 loss to the Edmonton Eskimos with another home-and-home series against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
One thing that Winnipeg does better than most teams in the league is that they put a lot of work on special teams so it won’t be an easy night in that department for McCluster.
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The pressure will be on the offence to try to turn things but with only two games under his belt, James Franklin is trying to play catch up after Ricky Ray went down with a serious neck injury.