Redblacks’ practice roster players look to state their case as starters rest

Coates is one of nine new faces on the offensive side of the ball for the Redblacks, as veteran receivers Brad Sinopoli, Greg Ellingson and Diontae Spencer will be getting the night off.

“It’s a really great opportunity,” said Coates. “I know how fun it’s going to be and how long we’ve prepared for this.”

Redblacks coach Rick Campbell said preparation remained the same this past week.

“We talked all year about what gets you going, what’s the fire that burns inside you,” said Campbell. “These guys want to play good football. I told them at the beginning of the week that this is a make-or-break game because it doesn’t mean anything in the standings, but it means a lot to guys that have worked hard all year and want to play good football when they have the opportunity so we’re going to go out there and do our best.”

Backup quarterback Dominique Davis and third-string pivot Danny Collins will split the game.

Davis has had the opportunity to start a game during his time with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and wants to ensure the Redblacks continue to ride the momentum of the last two weeks.

“We’ve got a lot of guys who’ve pretty much been sitting all year and are hungry to play and we just want to go out there and showcase our talents on this last game,” said Davis. “I just want to go out there and be a field general and keep making plays and get the ball to our playmakers hands and let them score some touchdowns.

While Collins has seen spot duty at times throughout the season the 25-year-old is anxious to prove to himself he’s capable of being productive in this league.

“You’ve got to show what you can do around the league, especially to other teams and definitely to this team, but it’s just to show myself what I can do as far as ability is what’s most important.”

It’s been a disappointing season by all accounts for the defending Grey Cup champion Argonauts (4-13), who will look to end the season on a high note.

Coach Marc Trestman made a number of changes to his roster. Running back Travon Van, acquired two weeks ago, will make his Toronto debut. Will Campbell takes over right tackle as Chris Van Zeyl will sit out the finale, and Jimmy Ralph will start at wide receiver.

“We’re preparing the same way, we’re going in this game the same way,” said wide receiver Armanti Edwards. “Plus, it’s basically a job interview for everybody in here.”

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TORONTO (4-13) AT OTTAWA (10-7)

WARD WATCH – Lewis Ward’s streak of successful field goal attempts is at 46 heading into the final game of the regular season.

TRESTMAN MAGIC – Argos coach Marc Trestman has never lost a game to Ottawa. He’s a perfect 3-0 versus the Redblacks.

TOUGH ROAD — Toronto is a dismal 0-8 away from BMO Field this season.

Lisa Wallace, The Canadian Press

Note to readers: This is a corrected story. A previous version had the incorrect road record for the Argos.

by Canadian Press

Redblacks’ practice roster players look to state their case as starters rest

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