Toronto Argonauts host Montreal Alouettes in final regular‑season showdown as playoff positions are set

Jun 6, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Toronto Argonauts quarterback Nick Arbuckle (4) throws a pass during the first half against the Montreal Alouettes at Percival-Molson stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images

The Montreal Alouettes will visit the Toronto Argonauts on Friday to close out the regular season, with both clubs having minimal incentives at this point.

Montreal (13‑4) secured the East Division title and a first‑round bye, while Toronto (9‑8) claimed second place and will face a first‑round playoff matchup next week.

The Alouettes bested the Argonauts 37‑30 in Week 2, a game that marked Montreal’s second contest and Toronto’s inaugural fixture of the season.

It was a high‑scoring affair: Davis Alexander completed 441 yards and two touchdowns for Montreal, while Chad Kelly threw for 445 yards and three touchdowns for Toronto.

Kelly, who is dealing with a knee issue, will miss the finale after Toronto’s 40‑39 loss to Ottawa the previous week – Ottawa’s first victory of the year.

Nick Arbuckle contributed 315 yards, two touchdowns and an interception in relief, yet he will sit out the game to preserve his health for a potential playoff start.

“As a competitor, you always want to play,” Arbuckle told reporters. “You practice all year long for opportunities to play, but at the end of the day, you also got to understand what’s best for the team and what’s best for the long run of success for the team.”

Tucker Horn and Luis Perez have both practiced intensively, and the depth chart released on Thursday confirms Horn will make his debut as a starter.

“I’ve always believed if a guy’s been working and has earned that time and we are able to do that (we should), because these guys work really hard, they prepare, they push, and they’re pros,” Toronto head coach Mike Miller explained. “So, where there’s an opportunity to do that, I like to do that.”

Davis Alexander was sidelined for Montreal’s 16‑12 loss to Saskatchewan last week; backup Dustin Crum started and delivered 185 yards and a touchdown. The depth chart indicates Crum will start again versus Toronto.

Key receivers Tyson Philpot and Tyler Snead missed Saturday’s loss to Saskatchewan with shoulder injuries and are listed as doubtful for the Toronto contest.

Defensive back Wesley Sutton praised the team’s effort despite the loss to Saskatchewan, a game in which the Roughriders played all their starters and secured a playoff berth.

“We knew the situation and the circumstances we were fighting against,” Sutton said. “We didn’t really have anything to play for outside of pride and the love of the game. I think we definitely showed that. They had every starter out there. They were fighting for everything.”

–Field Level Media

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