Dorsey rejoins Argonauts after NFL tryout

The Toronto Argonauts will be out to avenge an early-season loss to B.C. on Saturday and might have a difference-maker in the lineup.

Kick-returner Dominique Dorsey, the Canadian Football League special teams player of the year for 2008, returned to the Argos on Tuesday.

"It's definitely a great feeling," Dorsey said. "Guys have welcomed me back with open arms and I'm happy right now."

In February, Dorsey signed with the National Football League's Washington Redskins, who recently waived the Argos record holder despite the fact he led the team in punt and kickoff return yardage in the pre-season. He expected to make the Redskins practice roster but was told Sunday that wasn't going to happen.

"It didn't work out in my favour. They said one thing and did another," Dorsey said of the Redskins.

Last season, Dorsey established an Argos single-season kickoff yards record (1,257) and single-game kickoff yards mark (225).

Toronto could use the California native in its lineup, particularly on punt returns. Byron Parker is 11th in the CFL in that category, averaging 8.4 yards per return. Will Poole and Cory Rodgers have been less successful at 6.9 yards and 6.8 yards per punt return.

Third-year Argo Andre Durie is third in kickoff returns with a 26.1-yard average on 17 returns. Injured Reggie McNeal has averaged 21 yards on kickoffs this season.

Running back Jamal Robertson said while he's surprised Dorsey didn't land a job in the NFL "it's a great thing he's here."

"It's hard to replace a Dominique Dorsey as a returner with his vision, his explosiveness," Robertson said. "The only way to replace him is to have him back, so it's perfect."

That is something head coach Bart Andrus agrees with.

"This is what we've been waiting for," Andrus said of Dorsey's return. "We're very excited."

In 2008, Dorsey was named a CFL all-star, East Division all-star and an all-star by the CFL Players' Association.

After joining the Argonauts in July 2007, he racked up at least 200 all-purpose yards in nine of 18 regular-season contests the following season.

Dorsey also topped 300 yards on two occasions, scored four touchdowns and was named CFL special teams player of the week four times.

"I had the most fun playing in the CFL these past two years with the Argos," he said after signing with the Redskins. "I'm leaving some warriors who I know are going to contend for a Grey Cup this year."

With Dorsey on board, a 3-7 Toronto outfit would be happy to secure a playoff spot first.