What the loss of Gable & Fantuz means for Ticats

The big news from Ticats practice is that both running back C.J. Gable and receiver Andy Fantuz have been added to the six-game injured list after being hurt in Monday’s win over the Argos.

It’s a significant – though not necessarily catastrophic – loss for the Ticats’ offence. Gable is the team’s most versatile back, capable of running the football, catching balls out of the backfield and providing sterling pass protection. Fantuz was having an excellent season for the Ticats and leads the team in both catches (26) and yards (272).

That said, both players missed extended periods down the stretch last season when the Ticats won seven of their last nine regular season games on their way to a second straight Grey Cup appearance.

The team’s roster moves in the wake of the injuries provide some indication as to how the team will cope with the losses.

American running back Ray Holley has been added to the active roster, meaning he’s likely replacement for Gable this week against the Bombers. Canadian receiver Giovanni Aprile have been added to the active and will likely be the back up for Matt Coates, who will take Fantuz’s spot in the line up. That would allow the Ticats to replace Fantuz without having to make a ratio change elsewhere.

Running back Nic Grigsby has re-joined the team (as I reported last night)  and has been added to the practice roster. The club has also signed Canadian receiver Robin Medeiros, a 27-year-old Hamilton native who spent some time with the Redblacks last season but has yet to appear in a CFL game.

Grigsby provides instant insurance for Holley – and may yet work his way back into the starting line up – while Medeiros provides Canadian depth.

Small consolation, but Monday’s game was tough on the Argos too: receivers Chad Owens and Anthony Coombs as well as centre Jeff Keeping are all questionable for Saturday’s match up versus the Riders.