Allen bumped to 3rd in Argos QB shuffle

Toronto Argonauts coach Mike Clemons announced Monday that quarterback Michael Bishop will get the start when the team plays in Hamilton on Saturday.

As part of the quarterback shuffle, veteran pivot Damon Allen will be third on the depth chart, behind Mike McMahon.

"Damon will be mentoring this week, something that is obviously tough for a guy of that experience," Clemons told reporters.

Allen, 43, went 14 of 18 for 130 yards passing and threw a touchdown in the team's opening-game loss to B.C., but the Argos had trouble moving the ball consistently. The Lions recorded six sacks in their 24-22 victory.

Bishop entered the game in the fourth quarter and threw a touchdown to narrow the margin. Heproved more elusive to B.C. tacklers andfinished 7 for 13 with 75 yards passing.

The relief appearance was reminiscent of last season's playoffs. Bishop came off the bench to replace an ineffective Allen in a pair of playoff games.

The 31-year-old quarterback has apprenticed for the Argos since 2002, but could have a chance now to remain the team's starter if he impresses.

Allen, who has thrown for the most passing yards in pro football history, has been the Argos' starter since 2003 and led the team a year later to a Grey Cup win over the B.C. Lions.

Allen broke a finger in the opening game of the 2006 season and has not looked the same quarterback since. He threw for 12 touchdowns and 11 interceptions last season and 2,567 yards passing, his lowest total since 1988.

McMahon, who saw action in an NFL career with Detroit and Philadelphia, impressed the coaching staff with his performance in the team's pre-season games.

Clemons said it was likely that both Bishop and McMahon would get snaps against the Ti-Cats.