Argos QB Ricky Ray takes first-team reps Tuesday

Argonauts quarterback Ricky Ray took first-team reps at practice on Tuesday, according to TSN’s Dave Naylor.

The 37-year-old veteran passer admitted he was in pain while tossing on the sidelines and did not throw a pass during sessions last week after taking a hellacious hit from Calgary defensive end Michael Kashak in Week 7.

He travelled with the team to Montreal, but head coach Marc Trestman ruled him out. Ray watched the Argos lose live in person 21-9 to the Alouettes in Week 8. Jeff Mathews started but gave way to Cody Fajardo in the second half, the two combined for 142 yards in the air.

Ray is crucial for Trestman’s pass-first offence and the fact that he’s back practising is a positive sign for the Argos who face Montreal in Toronto on Saturday.