CFL rookie Wilder to get the start at running back for Argos versus Redblacks
TORONTO — James Wilder Jr. is hoping to get a little physical with the Ottawa Redblacks on Monday night.
Wilder will get the start at running back for the Toronto Argonauts (2-2) in place of veteran Brandon Whitaker. Whitaker is coming off a 1,000-yard rushing campaign last year but has run for just 66 yards on 22 carries (three-yard average) this season.
Wilder also has 66 rushing yards in his first CFL season season but on 14 carries (4.7-yard average). The six-foot-three, 226-pound Wilder is a bigger presence than the five-foot-10, 200-pound Whitaker and that could be a factor considering Ottawa (1-3-1) is playing its third game in 11 nights and for the fourth time in 18 days.
“James has certainly shown us flashes,” Toronto head coach Marc Trestman said. “His No. 1 job is to make sure Ricky (Argos starter Ricky Ray) is protected and take care of the football when he gets that opportunity.