Latest news with #McManis
Hamilton Spectator
5 days ago
- Sport
- Hamilton Spectator
Argonauts' injury bug continues. Now they've lost a star player after he was hit by a car
The Toronto Argonauts just can't seem to catch a break this season on the injury front. As a couple of much-needed reinforcements are returning for the struggling defending Grey Cup champions, another key member is going to miss extended time. Reigning CFL top lineman Ryan Hunter suffered a serious shoulder injury this week when he was hit by a car while riding a scooter in Toronto. A team official confirmed Hunter is expected to be out at least six to eight weeks. The 30-year-old North Bay, Ont., native had been one of the most durable players on a banged-up Argos team, appearing in all five games this season. His untimely injury comes as the Argos await the return of quarterback Chad Kelly , who suffered a broken leg in last year's East final and has already been ruled out for Thursday's road game against the Montreal Alouettes (3-2). Nevertheless, the Argos will welcome back two key players who had been sidelined with injuries as they try and dig themselves out of a 1-4 hole following a bye week. All-star linebacker Wynton McManis and running back Deonta McMahon have been cleared to return to action after missing several weeks. McManis, 30, suffered a right-knee injury during the team's first home game of the season against the Calgary Stampeders . McMahon, 25, sprained his ankle in the same game. Their return is a breath of fresh air for an Argos team still struggling to find its footing. 'Wynton is the leader of that defence and he gets those guys lined up, communicates the calls,' head coach Ryan Dinwiddie said after Tuesday's practice. 'Getting him back I think is going to elevate the play of the other guys. We know who Wynton is, he always makes plays, he's got a knack for finding the football and we need that this week.' The Argos have especially suffered in the running game this season, averaging a league-worst 46.2 rushing yards per game after Week 6, with a total of 231 rushing yards in five games. The return of McMahon should help. 'D-Money (McMahon) gives us that explosiveness, the shiftiness. We need him at the back for catching the ball and we haven't had that for a few weeks,' Dinwiddie said. The head coach expects his team, fresh off a week of rest, to cut down on its turnovers and take care of the football on both sides of the field while winning the special-teams matchup against Montreal — a team that already beat Toronto in the season opener . 'The penalties have been killing us. When we play clean football, play physical, execute, I think we should have a great day,' he said. McManis said it was tough to be on the sidelines watching the team struggle and not being able to help on the field. That said, it was also important to let others lead, 'get their feet wet and kind of see what we got' in his absence. Now healthy, McManis is looking forward to being able to 'fly around, make some plays' and ultimately help his team get some wins. Staying upbeat, despite their record, is also important. 'I think the culture around here that we have to keep everybody's spirits up,' he said. 'No one around here feels like a loser, no one around here has a loser mentality. None of us feel like (we're a 1-4 team). We just know we've got to have some urgency and detail in getting the job done, just trying to be right.'
Toronto Star
13-06-2025
- Sport
- Toronto Star
McManis, Argos look to get back on the winning track at home versus Stampeders
TORONTO - There's no place like home for Wynton McManis and the Toronto Argonauts. Toronto (0-1) hosts the Calgary Stampeders (1-0) on Saturday afternoon in its home opener. After the Argos began their Grey Cup title defence with a 28-10 road loss in Montreal last week, McManis welcomes the return to BMO Field, where the club is 16-2 the last two seasons.
Hamilton Spectator
13-06-2025
- Sport
- Hamilton Spectator
McManis, Argos look to get back on the winning track at home versus Stampeders
TORONTO - There's no place like home for Wynton McManis and the Toronto Argonauts. Toronto (0-1) hosts the Calgary Stampeders (1-0) on Saturday afternoon in its home opener. After the Argos began their Grey Cup title defence with a 28-10 road loss in Montreal last week, McManis welcomes the return to BMO Field, where the club is 16-2 the last two seasons. 'Just the love we get from Argos Nation, their energy, their passion,' McManis said in explaining Toronto's home-field record. 'We see them all the time at practice and when they show up at the game, you feel like they're stepping on to the field. 'I think that adds a little something to us and we always come with a little more juice.' Toronto has excelled at BMO Field under Ryan Dinwiddie, who's in his fifth season as head coach and has led the Argos to a 27-7 home mark. 'Obviously you want to do that for your fans and play exciting football for them,' Dinwiddie said. 'But if we win all of our home games there's a good chance we're going to make the playoffs. 'We still have to win on the road, that's an emphasis as well. But when we're at home I think guys are excited to go out there and play in front of our great fans.' However, Dinwiddie is 3-4 versus Calgary, the only CFL team he has a sub.-500 record against. Stamps head coach/GM Dave Dickenson boasts a 12-3 mark against Toronto. Toronto's defence struggled with the run against Montreal, allowing 163 yards on 26 carries (6.3-yard average). The rushing attack figured prominently in Calgary's season-opening 38-26 win over Hamilton last week as the Stamps had 158 yards on 31 attempts (5.1-yard average) with Dedrick Mills accounting for 94 yards and three touchdowns. 'It (stopping run) is always the most important thing, that's always your first goal,' said McManis, who had nine tackles against Montreal. 'Mills is a great back, he does a good job of reading and breaking a lot of tackles so we have to make sure we swarm to the ball and tackle with all 12 hats.' Then again, Calgary's offensive co-ordinator Pat DelMonaco is also its offensive-line coach. 'Pat is an O-line coach at heart so he wants to to play a physical brand of football,' Dinwiddie said. 'They're going to try to attack us downhill and we've got a good plan for it. 'Guys are aware of it and it all starts up front for us in this game.' Veteran Vernon Adams Jr. completed 19-of-28 passes for 284 yards last week in his Calgary debut. He was intercepted twice but did rush for 33 yards on three carries. Adams is 2-5 lifetime versus Toronto but has thrown 14 TD passes over that stretch. 'He's a dual-threat quarterback,' McManis said of Adams. 'He's an older guy now so there's not much he hasn't seen. 'Just kind of try to make him have to sit in the pocket and see if we can kind of confuse him and show him some things he hasn't seen before and get pressure on him and try to make him uncomfortable.' Veteran Nick Arbuckle will make a second straight start at quarterback for Toronto with incumbent Chad Kelly still being limited in practice. Kelly, 31, continues to recover from a leg injury suffered in last year's East Division final. Arbuckle, who was the MVP of Toronto's Grey Cup win over Winnipeg last year, completed 20-of-32 passes for 273 yards and a TD versus Montreal but also had two interceptions. 'Just sustain drives,' Dinwiddie said regarding what he'd like to see from his offence Saturday. 'We had some good plays and we'd get three first downs but then have to punt. 'We had our moments last week and we've got to build off those and make sure it's a complete game this week.' McManis agreed. 'There are some things we need to clean up,' he said. 'It's early in the year, we've got to fix some MAs (missed assignments) and clean up the penalties but it's not really anything you're too worried about. 'I feel like we're in a good spot mentally, I feel like everyone is prepared and wants to get things done the right way. Our effort and compassion is there for it.' Toronto hasn't started a season 0-2 since 2019. Calgary has dropped its last two games at BMO Field after winning eight straight road contests versus Toronto. The two teams split their games last year, each victorious at home. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 13, 2025. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Winnipeg Free Press
13-06-2025
- Sport
- Winnipeg Free Press
McManis, Argos look to get back on the winning track at home versus Stampeders
TORONTO – There's no place like home for Wynton McManis and the Toronto Argonauts. Toronto (0-1) hosts the Calgary Stampeders (1-0) on Saturday afternoon in its home opener. After the Argos began their Grey Cup title defence with a 28-10 road loss in Montreal last week, McManis welcomes the return to BMO Field, where the club is 16-2 the last two seasons. 'Just the love we get from Argos Nation, their energy, their passion,' McManis said in explaining Toronto's home-field record. 'We see them all the time at practice and when they show up at the game, you feel like they're stepping on to the field. 'I think that adds a little something to us and we always come with a little more juice.' Toronto has excelled at BMO Field under Ryan Dinwiddie, who's in his fifth season as head coach and has led the Argos to a 27-7 home mark. 'Obviously you want to do that for your fans and play exciting football for them,' Dinwiddie said. 'But if we win all of our home games there's a good chance we're going to make the playoffs. 'We still have to win on the road, that's an emphasis as well. But when we're at home I think guys are excited to go out there and play in front of our great fans.' However, Dinwiddie is 3-4 versus Calgary, the only CFL team he has a sub.-500 record against. Stamps head coach/GM Dave Dickenson boasts a 12-3 mark against Toronto. Toronto's defence struggled with the run against Montreal, allowing 163 yards on 26 carries (6.3-yard average). The rushing attack figured prominently in Calgary's season-opening 38-26 win over Hamilton last week as the Stamps had 158 yards on 31 attempts (5.1-yard average) with Dedrick Mills accounting for 94 yards and three touchdowns. 'It (stopping run) is always the most important thing, that's always your first goal,' said McManis, who had nine tackles against Montreal. 'Mills is a great back, he does a good job of reading and breaking a lot of tackles so we have to make sure we swarm to the ball and tackle with all 12 hats.' Then again, Calgary's offensive co-ordinator Pat DelMonaco is also its offensive-line coach. 'Pat is an O-line coach at heart so he wants to to play a physical brand of football,' Dinwiddie said. 'They're going to try to attack us downhill and we've got a good plan for it. 'Guys are aware of it and it all starts up front for us in this game.' Veteran Vernon Adams Jr. completed 19-of-28 passes for 284 yards last week in his Calgary debut. He was intercepted twice but did rush for 33 yards on three carries. Adams is 2-5 lifetime versus Toronto but has thrown 14 TD passes over that stretch. 'He's a dual-threat quarterback,' McManis said of Adams. 'He's an older guy now so there's not much he hasn't seen. 'Just kind of try to make him have to sit in the pocket and see if we can kind of confuse him and show him some things he hasn't seen before and get pressure on him and try to make him uncomfortable.' Veteran Nick Arbuckle will make a second straight start at quarterback for Toronto with incumbent Chad Kelly still being limited in practice. Kelly, 31, continues to recover from a leg injury suffered in last year's East Division final. Arbuckle, who was the MVP of Toronto's Grey Cup win over Winnipeg last year, completed 20-of-32 passes for 273 yards and a TD versus Montreal but also had two interceptions. 'Just sustain drives,' Dinwiddie said regarding what he'd like to see from his offence Saturday. 'We had some good plays and we'd get three first downs but then have to punt. 'We had our moments last week and we've got to build off those and make sure it's a complete game this week.' McManis agreed. Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. 'There are some things we need to clean up,' he said. 'It's early in the year, we've got to fix some MAs (missed assignments) and clean up the penalties but it's not really anything you're too worried about. 'I feel like we're in a good spot mentally, I feel like everyone is prepared and wants to get things done the right way. Our effort and compassion is there for it.' Toronto hasn't started a season 0-2 since 2019. Calgary has dropped its last two games at BMO Field after winning eight straight road contests versus Toronto. The two teams split their games last year, each victorious at home. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 13, 2025.
Hamilton Spectator
14-05-2025
- Sport
- Hamilton Spectator
Veteran linebacker McManis will anchor new-look Toronto Argonauts defence in 2025
GUELPH - Wynton McManis finds himself in somewhat unfamiliar surroundings as he returns for a fourth season with the Toronto Argonauts. The veteran middle linebacker will anchor a new-look Argos defence this season. Toronto will open its schedule June 6 in Montreal minus seven starters from the unit that forced five turnovers — resulting in 27 points — in its 41-24 Grey Cup win over the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. 'Yeah, there will be quite a few changes,' said McManis sporting an ever-present toothpick in his mouth. 'It's early, but once a lot of these guys start making plays you'll start learning the names a little bit more.' All four defensive linemen who started against Winnipeg are gone. Defensive end Folarin Orimolade was dealt to Calgary for Canadian linebacker Cam Judge while tackle Jake Ceresna and Canadian end Robbie Smith signed with Edmonton as free agents. Tackle Ralph Holley is now with the NFL's Cleveland Browns. Jared Brinkman, who opened '24 as a starting defensive lineman, also joined the Elks in free agency. Canadian linebacker Fraser Sopik, who made 12 starts last year with Toronto, signed with Calgary in free agency before retiring. Toronto did re-sign McManis — a two-time CFL all-star and three-time Grey Cup champion — in the off-season. Judge, entering his eighth CFL season, returns to the team he played for in 2021 but Canadian Tunde Adeleke, who started at linebacker versus Winnipeg. signed with Ottawa this off-season before retiring. Canadian safety Royce Metchie (free agent, Edmonton) and veteran halfback DaShaun Amos (free agent, Hamilton) also departed. 'No question, it's a brand new team,' said Toronto head coach Ryan Dinwiddie. 'There's more roster turnover this year than what we had last year and everybody thought we had a ton last year. 'There's going to be guys who've got to get familiar with the scheme and some of those things. I'm going to be hard on some of these incoming players to kind of let them understand what our expectations are in this building.' Toronto posted a CFL-high 48 sacks last season with Ceresna and Holley both recording eight to finish in a five-way tie for the CFL lead. Orimolade, Smith and Derek Parrish, who remains with the Argos, all had six. But while sacks certainly garner attention, of more importance to a defence is forcing turnovers because they can immediately change the complexion of a game. Nowhere was that more evident than in the Grey Cup as Toronto had a record-tying four interceptions but set a new standard with 164 return yards. Robert Priester had a 61-yard interception return TD as Toronto outscored Winnipeg 24-11 in the fourth quarter to cement its second championship win over the Bombers in three seasons. But Toronto's defensive changes aren't limited to its roster. Jason Shivers begins his first season as co-defensive co-ordinator with linebackers coach Kevin Eiben. He replaces William Fields, who's now the Ottawa Redblacks' defensive co-ordinator. Shivers is a former Argos defensive back who began his CFL coaching career with the club in 2013 as a defensive assistant. He'll also serve as Toronto's secondary coach. 'Jason brings a lot of confidence and the ability to relate to players,' Dinwiddie said. 'He's been a co-ordinator for a long time (2019, 21-23 with Saskatchewan, 2024 with Edmonton). 'I've told Jason and Kevin, 'You guys be aggressive. I'll take care of the other end on offence, we'll score enough points.' But I want those guys to go after teams, we're not going to to sit back.' All with the goal of getting the ball back for Toronto's offence as often as possible. 'We've got to create turnovers where last year we created turnovers just being really good football players,' Dinwiddie said. 'We've got to make sure we can confuse the offence a little bit, get a few interceptions thrown to us.' McManis said it will take time for Toronto's defensive players to get acclimated to the schemes and develop a chemistry together. 'There's going to be some growing pains but everyone is willing and able and just excited to be here to learn,' he said. 'I think the sky is the limit for this group. 'I know everyone says that every year but honestly, it's the truth. We have a lot of great guys.' The last celebrations of Toronto's '24 season will be the players receiving their Grey Cup rings and raising of the championship banner. But for McManis, last year's Grey Cup is a distant — albeit pleasant — memory. 'You know, 2024 is gone,' he said. 'I'm going to get the ring, smile at it, close the box and let's go win in 2025.' This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 11, 2025.
