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Argos announce Ray to miss 4-6 weeks; LeFevour to start Sunday

TORONTO — The Toronto Argonauts have announced that quarterback Ricky Ray will be sidelined for the next 4-6 weeks with a fractured rib.

Head Coach Scott Milanovich revealed the news Friday afternoon following the team’s practice in preparation for a Labour Day rematch with the Ticats on Sunday.

Milanovich also announced that Dan LeFevour will start at quarterback vs. Hamilton.

“Ricky has a fractured rib,” the fifth-year head coach told Argonauts.ca. “He had a partially-deflated lung which has taken care of itself. His health is not in jeopardy. He’s 4-6 weeks. His season is not over.”

The injury is believed to have been sustained late in the third quarter of the Argos’ 49-36 loss to the Ticats on Labour Day, when Ray was hit after throwing his first of two interceptions on the evening.

After a 4-6 start and four straight losses, the Argos now turn to LeFevour as they look to stay afloat in what’s become a tight-knit East Division through 11 weeks of the season.

While Ray was just starting to heat up, the veteran quarterback coming off a season-high 386 passing yards against the Ticats and compiling a quarterback rating of 110.4 on the year — third-best among starters — the Argos coaching staff is putting its faith in LeFevour.

A Central Michigan graduate and five-year pro, LeFevour hasn’t started since August of 2014 as a member of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. Last year with Montreal he suffered a season-ending injury in the Alouettes’ season-opener.

“I’m happy with who we’ve got going into this game,” said Milanovich. “He does have that ability. He’s got some gamer in him.”

For his size, Milanovich added, LeFevour can run — he rushed for 314 yards in seven games with the Ticats in 2014, going over the 100-yard mark twice — while Milanovich said he can throw on the run as well.

“He seems to be a bit of a playmaker. That’s what we’re looking for. We’re looking for a spark, we’re looking for him to get out there and if things break down in protection take off and run or scramble and find somebody down the field.”

With Ray out, LeFevour will continue to handle short yardage as he has since the injury to Cody Fajardo. Logan Kilgore, who started three games earlier in the season when Ray injured his knee, will be LeFevour’s backup.

“What a long road it’s been since I really got to play two years ago,” said LeFevour. “Obviously the coaching staff really has enough trust in me, otherwise they wouldn’t put me in this position.

“I’m confident in the game plan they’ve given me. They’re confident in me. At this point, let’s go out and play.”