Toronto Argonauts need to find quick solution to James Wilder Jr.’s role

After being a scratch against the Edmonton Eskimos, James Wilder Jr. returned to practice with the Toronto Argonauts after meeting with Jim Popp and Corey Chamblin.

There was a lot of anticipation leading up to the Toronto Argonauts first practice with all eyes on whether James Wilder Jr. would be on the field after meeting with Corey Chamblin and Jim Popp on Saturday.

Well, No. 32 was in a white jersey taking reps with the offence which should suggest that the meeting went well but there are obviously still questions about what his role with the team will be going forward.

More from Tip of the Tower

• Cam Phillips making his mark on Toronto Argonauts offence
• Toronto Argonauts: 4 storylines ahead of matchup against Redblacks
• Federico Bernardeschi ready for new challenge with Toronto FC
• Toronto Argonauts overcome Roughriders in entertaining Touchdown Atlantic
• Buffalo Bills: Von Miller drawing inspiration from Bruce Smith

The Argos did not make Wilder Jr. available to reporters after practice instead Chamblin decided to address the situation to make sure there was a “consistent message” being broadcasted.

"“We are just trying to put a protocol order in the house is, if the message is being sent about the team, it is always be sent from myself first,” “That way, if there’s any questions or answers about it, it’s there and that’s the biggest thing.”"

Chamblin said that as of right now, Wilder Jr.’s role is a day-to-day thing that they are trying to sort through what the best course of action is to get him into the lineup. He did not rule out the possibility of him returning as the starter but it is not something that will happen overnight.

It was clear the 2017 Most Outstanding Rookie wasn’t willing to play special teams which was why Chamblin decided to sit him in favour of a player that he could use on special teams. According to the Argos head coach, the meeting was meant to solve miscommunication because he was coming off an injury and didn’t want to risk getting re-injured playing that role.

"“Everyone wants to be a starter. It had nothing to do with more so him starting I think he understood that part,” Chamblin said. “It was just what we needed him to do may not have suited his ability at that time, coming off the injury. We understood that. And I understood that.”"

With the team needing a win in Moncton against the Montreal Alouettes—who they are chasing for second in the East Division—Toronto could certainly use all the help they can get. Considering the struggles the team had to get the ball in the endzone especially in the first half, Wilder Jr.’s ability to extend plays would be crucial.

What can’t be overlooked at the same time is how effective Brandon Burks and Chris Rainey have been splitting the reps out of the backfield. Burks rushed for 43 yards while adding an impressive 27-yard touchdown pass while Rainey added 58 yards on eight rushes.

In case you missed the touchdown from Burks you can rewatch the impressive burst of speed he showed against the Edmonton Eskimos below.

While having as many options as the Argos do at running back should be seen as a plus, the last thing the team needs to be dealing with is an issue like this considering the team is on the brink of missing out on the playoffs in consecutive seasons.

Credit Chamblin for being upfront with the situation but there isn’t a lot of clarity going forward and the fact the team hasn’t ruled out a trade doesn’t help either.

"“I foresee him being with us this week — unless something changes. At the end of the day, we’ll never do anything to hurt his career and if that means him becoming the starting tailback and putting his career back on track, we’ll do that. If that means he’s traded…then we’ll do that. We’ll do what’s best for two parties, that’s the Argonauts and James Wilder. I think we’re trying to find the best fit for both of us to make this a winning situation.”"

Wilder Jr. was a fan favourite two years ago for playing a key role in getting the Argos to the playoffs and to the Grey Cup final. Now, he finds himself waiting to see what his role will be and hopefully, the team finds a solution.