Toronto Argonauts quarterback Chad Kelly was back on the field Sunday, practising in full after a neck injury forced him out of the team's most recent game, the team announced in its injury report.
Kelly took part in the club's first practice back following its bye week, clearing the way for him to lead Toronto into its long-awaited home opener.
The 32-year-old was hurt late in the first half of Toronto's 26-12 win over the B.C. Lions when he was hit in the head and neck area by Lions linebacker Darnell Sankey while sliding to give himself up.
The CFL fined Sankey for the high hit on a sliding quarterback.
Kelly's return is a significant lift for a team that has spent the entire first stretch of the season on the road because of the FIFA World Cup in Toronto.
Numbers to build on
In his fourth season with the Argonauts, Kelly has completed 70.4 per cent of his passes for 2,323 yards, with 17 touchdowns and nine interceptions.
His availability had been a question mark since the win over B.C., but Sunday's full participation suggests the club will have its starter under centre as it finally returns home.
The Argos were also boosted by the return of linebacker Cameron Judge, who was back at practice after missing the last three games.
BMO Field debut finally arrives
Toronto will play its first game at BMO Field this season Thursday against the Calgary Stampeders.
The team had been forced to open the schedule entirely on the road while Toronto hosted FIFA World Cup matches this summer.
Thursday's game will be the first chance for local fans to see the 2026 Argonauts in person at the lakefront stadium.
Others watching from the sideline
Not everyone was back on the field Sunday. Punter John Haggerty, kicker Lirim Hajrullahu, linebacker Owen Goss and offensive lineman Kendall Randolph did not take part in practice, according to the injury report.
The status of those players for Thursday's contest against Calgary remains to be seen as the team continues its preparations this week.
