Toronto Argonauts defensive back Priester says his 2026 season is over due to injury

Toronto Argonauts' Robert Priester (19) scores a touchdown after an interception against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers with Benjie Franklin (23) during second half CFL football action at the 111th Grey Cup in Vancouver on Sunday, November 17, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette

GUELPH — Defensive back Robert Priester of the Toronto Argonauts says his 2026 CFL season is over.

Priester, 32, announced on social media he suffered a season-ending torn Achilles in Toronto’s 44-24 road win over the Ottawa Redblacks on Saturday afternoon. Priester was in his second stint with the Argos and had a tackle in two regular-season games with the CFL club.

“To my family, teammates, medical staff and the Toronto Argonauts organization and coaching staff, I love and appreciate each and every one of you from the top to bottom of my heart,” Priester said in a post. “Thank you for believing in me and giving me an opportunity to showcase my talent once again.

“We have more work to do; let’s pull together and get it done in 2026.”

Priester helped Toronto win Grey Cups in 2022 and ’24 before spending last season with Ottawa. He rejoined the Argos in the off-season.

Priester has appeared in 47 career regular-season games with Winnipeg (2018), Toronto (2022-24, ’26) and Ottawa (2025). He has registered 94 tackles, eight special-teams tackles, two interceptions, two sacks and four forced fumbles.

Toronto’s injury report on Wednesday listed defensive lineman DeWayne Hendrix and defensive back Ethan John as both being out for the club’s game Friday night in Regina versus the Saskatchewan Roughriders. But receiver Kevin Mital, who was limited in practice Tuesday with a calf injury, will be available.

Saskatchewan’s injury report lists linebacker Jayden Dalke (hand), receiver Dhel Duncan-Busby (shoulder), defensive backs Juju Hughes (ankle) and Nelson Lokombo (ankle) and defensive lineman Benoit Marion (shoulder) as being out. Running back A.J. Ouellette (ankle) is doubtful, while receiver KeeSean Jackson (knee) and defensive lineman James Vaughters (knee) are listed as available.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 24, 2026

The Canadian Press