Trestman names James Franklin Argos starting QB after ‘figurative coin flip’

Toronto Argonauts head coach Marc Trestman has determined who his starting quarterback will be with Ricky Ray expected to be sidelined for the entire season.

Marc Trestman names James Franklin his starter for Week 4 vs #Eskimos. Coach calls it a “figurative coin flip” between picking Franklin or Mcleod Bethel-Thompson.Trestman also says Ricky Ray-seen wearing a neck brace-needs a month before his 2018 availability can be assessed #CFL

— Matthew Scianitti (@TSNScianitti) July 2, 2018

Ray suffered a neck injury in the Argos Week 2 loss to the Calgary Stampeders and since been told by doctors no contact for six months. James Franklin entered the game for Ray and completed 8-of-13 passes for 65 yards while rushing three times for 14 yards and one touchdown.

Toronto traded for Franklin in the off-season and inked him to a two-year contract extension, but he won a close battle with McLeod Bethel-Thompson for the backup quarterback job which has turned into the starting gig with Ray out long term.