Toronto Argonauts running back Cory Boyd takes the hand-off from quarterback Cleo Lemon (R) during the first half of their CFL football game against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in Toronto October 15, 2010. REUTERS/Mike CasseseMIKE CASSESE/Reuters
A sore ankle kept Cory Boyd from practising this week, but the CFL's rushing leader doesn't see that as a problem.
The Argonauts rookie running back gave himself a clean bill of health Friday as he and his Toronto teammates touched down in Winnipeg.
"I'm ready to go," said Boyd, who leads the league with 1,205 yards rushing, just 55 more than the Blue Bombers' Fred Reid.
"The stiffness is pretty much gone, the swelling is pretty much out of it and the legs feel fresh."
Toronto (7-8) can clinch a playoff spot in the East Division before Saturday's game with Winnipeg (TSN, 4 p.m. ET) if the B.C. Lions (5-10) lose Friday night in Calgary.
The Argonauts' next step would be trying to finish second in the East ahead of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats (8-7), who host Montreal (11-4), also on Friday.
The Bombers, meanwhile, are still in the hunt for a playoff spot despite their 4-11 record.
While they can't make the playoffs in the East, there's still a chance they can earn a crossover spot in the West by finishing with more points than B.C. and Edmonton (5-10).
Reid is hoping he'll get more chances to have an impact on that future.
While Boyd has accumulated his yardage off 207 carries, Reid has run 183 times because of Winnipeg's focus on the passing game, especially when trailing.
"The coaches know what they're doing and my time will come," said Reid, who receives a contract bonus if he finishes among the league's top three rushers.
"We've got three more regular-season games so hopefully I can get a handful here down the stretch and we can turn it all around."
Calgary's Joffrey Reynolds was third in the league's rushing race with 1,103 yards off 188 carries heading into Week 17.
"I really don't watch them," Boyd said of his backfield counterparts.
"I don't put myself in a category with anybody. I don't even know what (Reid's) numbers are right about now. I don't even know what my numbers are right about now.
"We're looking for the wins. Hopefully, (Reid) doesn't get any yards. Keep it that way."
Boyd's accomplishment of eclipsing the 1,000-yard mark is a rarity for an Argonaut.
Only eight times since the team was formed in 1873 has that milestone been reached. Bill Symons did it first in 1968 and Michael Jenkins achieved it twice.
Reid always strives to win the rushing title (he was second last year with 1,371 yards), but he recognizes the talents of the six-foot-one Boyd.
"He's a big back. He's a tough back," Reid said. "He's a competitor, no doubt about that. He runs hard. He's got a great O-line over there. He can also catch good out of the backfield.
"He also has a great attitude, so I like Cory Boyd. I watch him and I learn stuff from him also just watching him."
Boyd and Reid could play a big role in Saturday's game if both team's passing attacks continue to struggle.
Toronto has won just two of its last eight games. The most points the Argos have scored in that span were the 17 and 24 the club put up in wins over Winnipeg and Saskatchewan.
The Bombers have been cursed in close contests, having lost eight games this season by seven points or fewer, including seven games by four or less.
Toronto defeated Winnipeg 36-34 in July and 17-13 in September.
Winnipeg's receiving corps has been switched up for the game. Veteran Brock Ralph will back up at wide receiver so rookie Cory Watson can make his fifth start in Brock's slotback spot.
The Bombers also released receiver Adarius Bowman this week after he was benched for the past three games.
"We've got some young guys in the receiving corps this week and I look forward to seeing them play," said Bomber slotback Terrence Edwards, who's second in the league in receiving yardage (1,234) and touchdowns (12).
"Hopefully, they go out and make plays to help us win."
Toronto head coach Jim Barker took more of a hands-on approach with his team's passing attack this week, analysing performances with offensive co-ordinator Jaime Elizondo and general manager Adam Rita.
"None of this is about new plays," Barker said. "This is about taking what we're doing and doing it better."
Notes: Toronto defensive tackle Kevin Huntley, who has nine sacks, is out with a shoulder injury. ... Saturday will be Argo leading receiver Jeremaine Copeland's 150th career game. ... Winnipeg rookie receiver Greg Carr has 457 yards in just four games. ... The Bombers are 4-3 at home.