Toronto Argonauts: James Wilder Jr. eager to get back into game action
James Wilder Jr. returned to practice this week and is ready to start contributing again for the Toronto Argonauts.
As the Toronto Argonauts prepared for their Week 8 matchup against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, James Wilder Jr. was helping his fellow running backs with drills.
Then as the team returned from their bye week, the 27-year-old was a noticeable absence at practice with the team saying he missed his flight back to Toronto. We then found out that while on vacation with his family, Wilder Jr. had accidentally left his passport on the plane and had no way to get back home.
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With that ordeal behind him, the third-year starter is anxious to get back on the field and help Toronto build some much-needed momentum and get back into playoff contention.
"“I’m definitely excited to get back with my brothers at practice and just being able to go out there and compete with them,” said Wilder Jr. about being back on the field again. “I can’t wait to go out there and try to keep stacking these wins, get more wins, wins to make a Grey Cup run.”"
Like many players on the Argos, Wilder Jr. sees an opportunity to make up for the 0-6 start and they have to take it at a game-by-game basis.
At this point, almost every game left on the schedule is pretty much a must-win situation and they showed that urgency against Winnipeg. At the same time, they also need to find a way to get off to a faster start considering they were shutout by Edmonton a couple of weeks ago.
Having Wilder Jr.’s ability to extend plays out of the backfield will be a big addition especially with the team trying to establish the running backs into the offence more. They can’t expect McLeod Bethel-Thompson to throw 50 pass attempts and continue to be successful.
At least they will have a motivated Wilder Jr. in the backfield and if he can have a breakout game, the Argos should give the Eskimos a tough time.
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What do you think about Wilder Jr. returning to action? Can he help the offence reach another level? Let us know in the comments below.