The Toronto Argonauts' reward to Ricky Ray for being named the CFL's offensive player of the week is time off.
Ray received the CFL's weekly honour Tuesday after throwing four TD passes in a 31-26 road win over Saskatchewan on Saturday. Toronto (8-9) locked up second spot in the East Division with the victory as well as home-field advantage for the conference semifinal Nov. 11.
With a playoff spot sewn up, Ray will watch the Argos' regular-season final Thursday night against the arch-rival Hamilton Tiger-Cats. Backup Jarious Jackson will start against Hamilton with youngsters Trevor Harris and Zach Collaros also scheduled to play.
"It's a short week and he [Ray] isn't 100 per cent healthy," Argos head coach Scott Milanovich said regarding why Ray won't play. "I believe it's my job to get him into the playoff game as healthy as he can possibly be.
"I think that's in the best interest of our football team."
Milanovich's decision is certainly good news for desperate Hamilton (6-11). The Ticats must beat Toronto and hope the Calgary Stampeders defeat the Edmonton Eskimos on Friday night to make the playoffs.
If Hamilton loses, Edmonton will qualify for the playoffs, either crossing over into the East Division or finishing third in the West. The Eskimos (7-11) need a win over Calgary and a sa国际传媒 victory over Saskatchewan on Saturday night to take the No. 3 Western playoff seed.
The Riders can clinch third with either an Eskimos loss or by downing the defending Grey Cup-champion Lions, who have already cemented first in the West. If Saskatchewan and Edmonton finish tied, the Esks will get the higher position based on having won the season series.
