Argonauts.ca Staff

MISSISSAUGA, Ont -- The mystery surrounding the Argos quarterback position was cleared up today following practice as Jim Barker confirmed that Dalton Bell will start against the Edmonton Eskimos at Commonwealth Stadium on Friday night.

Cleo Lemon underwent surgery this week but missed the first two days of practice. He joined the team on Wednesday but his participation was limited.

“He will be a backup," Barker said of Lemon.  “He was able to throw today but in terms of starting, it will be Dalton.”

With the focus now put squarely on Bell, the comforting news for both he and the Argos is that the third-year pivot took all of the first team reps in practice this week.

It's something that he hasn’t done since preparing for the Montreal Alouettes in the regular season finale in 2010, and only once before that while prepping for an October 2, 2010 matchup with Saskatchewan.

“I got a lot of reps this week and it felt good to get in the action and be in things that really matter.  I mean scout team matters but being out there and running the calls that are going to be played is exciting," Bell explained.

“It’s a huge difference.  When you are out there with guys that are going to be in the game it is a world of difference and it really helps your confidence.”

Barker echoed Bell's thoughts, “Taking all of the reps in practice has got to help him.  It will be a great test for him to go out against a tough defence  and see how he does.”