Chad Kelly working towards full readiness for upcoming season with Toronto Argonauts

Toronto Argonauts quarterback Chad Kelly is edging closer to a long-awaited return after nearly 18 months out of action.

The former Most Outstanding Player says he is feeling strong again after fully recovering earlier this year, both physically and mentally. Kelly explained that reaching full health in January marked a key turning point, allowing him to focus on rebuilding his fitness and preparing for the demands of a full season.

He has been working closely with teammates in training, throwing regularly and gradually building endurance, while emphasizing the importance of being ready for what he described as a “marathon” campaign.

Kelly has not featured since the 2024 Eastern Final, where he suffered serious leg injuries — a broken tibia and fibula — that required surgery and an extensive rehabilitation process. His recovery became a major storyline throughout the 2025 season, during which he was never cleared for contact and spent time training away from the team.

Although there were brief hopes of a return last year, the Argonauts opted not to rush him back and ultimately ruled him out for the remainder of the campaign.

Now, all signs point toward Kelly reclaiming the starting role for the upcoming season, provided there are no setbacks. However, the 32-year-old has remained cautious when discussing the specifics of his recovery, choosing not to confirm whether he is fully back to 100 percent fitness.

With his return on the horizon, anticipation continues to build among fans eager to see their star quarterback back on the field.