Argonauts' Owens expected to miss game vs. Tiger-Cats with leg injury

TORONTO - Chad Owens' on-again, off-again season is off again.

Toronto head coach Scott Milanovich doesn't expect the speedy receiver/kick-returner to dress Monday against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. Owens played in the Argonauts' 41-27 road loss to Edmonton on Sunday after missing four games with a foot ailment but left in the fourth quarter with a leg injury following a hard hit from Eskimos defensive back Aaron Grymes.

Milanovich said during a conference call Tuesday an MRI found no serious damage to Owens' knee. There remains swelling in the joint and thigh that Milanovich figures will sideline Owens, the CFL's outstanding player in 2012, for the scheduled opener at new Tim Hortons Field.

"He'll more than likely be out this week," Milanovich said. "There's a little swelling around his knee where he took the hit but nothing else that's going to keep him out for a very long time."

The Argos (3-6) have lost two straight but are atop the East Division, four points ahead of Hamilton (1-6), the Ottawa Redblacks (1-7) and Montreal Alouettes (1-7).

Owens, 32, was the CFL's leading receiver when he hurt his foot in a 34-15 home loss to Calgary on July 15. He had seven catches for 92 yards and a TD against Edmonton before being hurt.

The loss of Owens is a blow to Toronto's pass-oriented offence (league-high 289.1 yards per game). Owens has 35 catches for 431 yards and two TDs and is averaging a league-high 107.8 yards receiving per game. He's also the Argos' top punt returner (17.3-yard average, one TD).

Fortunately, Toronto's walking wounded are returning.

Receiver Jason Barnes is back after missing time with a knee injury and Milanovich is hopeful safety Matt Black (arm) and running back Steve Slaton (stinger) will play Monday. He also expects to know later this week if veteran slotback Andre Durie (clavicle) can go against Hamilton.

"With Andre, we're still waiting to get clearance and see how he performs in practice," Milanovich said. "I'm hoping to know more Thursday, the first day we practise but Andre's very close."