Argos Superstar RB Andrew Harris has a torn pectoral muscle and could miss the rest of the 2022 CFL season. As reported first by TSN’s Dave Naylor, Toronto head coach Ryan Dinwiddie told the media today that Harris, who suffered a pec injury this past Friday against Hamilton, will be on the shelf for at least 4-6 weeks. Harris’s injury could still require season-ending surgery, depending on how recovery goes for the future first-ballot CFL Hall of Famer.

Argos Hit Hard With Injuries To Two Significant Starters

Toronto also revealed that the groin injury WR Cam Phillips sustained in warmups against the Tiger-Cats will keep him out of action for 3-4 weeks. Phillips, in his second season in Canada, had really started to emerge as a legitimate starting weapon in Toronto’s offensive attack, scoring three touchdowns in his last four games and leading the team in receiving in two of those contests.

The 26-year-old Virginia Tech standout has registered 25 receptions for 318 yards and three touchdowns this season. Phillips emerged as a starter out of training camp after spending the entire 2021 season as a reserve.

But with the Boatmen potentially losing Andrew Harris for the season, going in-depth on Phillips’s temporary loss can be perceived as burying the lead. There’s no question that anything concerning one of the league’s greatest homegrown runners overshadows the field.

What Now For Toronto?

Losing Andrew Harris is a significant blow for Double Blue. The Argonauts’ signing of Harris was intended as the final piece to get them to the Grey Cup after falling short in last year’s East Final.

Through seven games and a quarter, Harris is third in the CFL in rushing with 490 yards. However, he has been slowed down in recent weeks, thanks primarily due to opposing teams over committing to stop him. Harris has lived up to his billing on the field and in the locker room.

Harris recently became the first Canadian player ever to surpass 10,000 rushing yards. He is fourth all-time in yards from scrimmage.

Toronto had to be prepared for this potential reality. Despite being one of the league’s toughest players, Harris is coming off a 2021 campaign where he missed significant time for the Bombers.

The 35-year-old tailback has a lot of tread on his tires. And based on how Toronto has utilized him, 114 carries through seven games, second in the CFL, Harris wasn’t slowing down at all. Harris has also contributed 23 catches for 180 yards as a genuine every-down back. A week ago, on this site, Harris’s workload came into question. But nothing was stopping Toronto from utilizing him as the workhorse Harris has always been.

The Argos will need to shift gears now and hand the reins over to a backfield committee for the foreseeable future.

In Week 10, AJ Ouellette rushed ten times for 47 yards and figures to be the next man up. Rookie runner, and 2020 second-round draft pick Daniel Adeboboye, who has carved out a role on special teams, could see his playing time on offense increase in the coming weeks.

American CFL rookie Javon Leake, who has been on Toronto’s six-game injured list, is attempting to work his way back into the lineup. Leake could initially boost Double Blue’s return game but could also factor into the offense more as the season progresses.

With FB Declan Cross nursing an ankle injury. It’s possible that Ryan Dinwiddie’s offense shifts back to its 2021 form. Where the Argos incorporated a more pass-heavy attack.

Toronto has to pull together and push forward as if Harris won’t return. It’s a bitter pill to swallow for the 4-4 East-leading Argonauts, who have the dually 3-6 Hamilton Tiger-Cats, and Montreal Alouettes on their tails.

The Cam Phillips injury also creates a particular set of problems. Especially with Eric Rogers returning to IR with a quad injury after playing only one game. The team is hopeful of getting Juwan Brescasin back In their lineup. The veteran Canadian wideout hasn’t played all year. Tommy Nield, who was the replacement to the replacements, is also banged up after last week’s game.

Toronto is practicing this week at Lamport Stadium as they prepare for a Saturday showdown at BMO Field against the 5-3 Calgary Stampeders, who are coming off an exhilarating but frustrating 41-40 loss to Nathan Rourke and the BC Lions.

The Argos have other injury concerns, particularly in their secondary after losing Shaq Richardson and Robert Priester. However, today’s news about Andrew Harris trumps it all.

Toronto is still smarting after their loss to Hamilton. But they have no time to lick their wounds. They’ll see the Ticats in another set of back-to-back games. But for now, it’s about getting whatever troops they have at their disposal ready for the Stamps.