Redblacks release leading rusher Armstead, add Morrow to practice squad
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The Ottawa Redblacks announced Tuesday that running back Ryquell Armstead has been released, with running back Jamal Morrow being added to the practice squad.
Armstead, 27, was the leading rusher for Ottawa this season with 623 yards and three touchdowns on 125 rushing attempts. He also caught 35 passes for 284 yards.
Morrow registered 202 carries for 907 yards and four touchdowns with the Saskatchewan Roughriders last season, but was unsigned this season.
Armstead made his CFL debut this season after a successful career at the NCAA level with Temple and a four-year try in the NFL. He was drafted in the fifth round of the 2019 NFL Draft by the Jacksonville Jaguars, and totaled 348 yards from scrimmage and two touchdowns in 18 games.
"Ultimately we felt it was in the best interest of the team [to move on.] We tried, as did he, to make this work, and ultimately it didn't," head coach Bob Dyce said to reporters Tuesday afternoon. "I thank him for his efforts, the energy he brought to practice, the games this season, and being part of our success."
Dyce refused to comment whether character issues were a factor in the move, but chose instead to look forward to the potential shape of the Redblacks running back room down the stretch.
"Morrow has had a lot of success in this league. We're excited, he did some really good stuff in Saskatchewan, he's got a lot of talent and can be a kickoff returner and a punt returner," said Dyce.
When asked about who he envisions getting the start for their next game, Dyce had a bit of fun with it.
"We may have [a starter in mind,] you guys don't," he said, laughing.
The second-leading rusher on the team after 11 games is quarterback Dustin Crum, with 145 yards on the ground. Braylon Addison and Justin Hardy have combined for 159 rushing yards on 23 carries, but both are used primarily as wide receivers in the offence.
Ottawa sits second in the East Division at 7-3-1 after they were thumped 38-12 against the BC Lions last Saturday.
Their next action comes against the Toronto Argonauts on Saturday, which you can watch LIVE on TSN1, TSN.ca and the TSN App, with coverage beginning at 7p.m. ET / 4p.m. PT.