The Toronto Argonauts are changing things up behind centre as they will start McLeod Bethel-Thompson instead of James Franklin at quarterback when they host the Ottawa Redblacks Thursday night at BMO Field.

Head coach Marc Trestman made the announcement on Sunday.

#Argos head coach Marc Trestman has announced QB McLeod Bethel-Thompson will start this week vs Ottawa. #CFL — Mike Hogan (@MikeHoganArgos) July 29, 2018

The 30-year-old has never started a game in the CFL and appeared in just two contests last season with the Argos, completing two passes for 10 yards.

The UCLA and Sacramento State product had NFL stints with the San Francisco 49ers, Miami Dolphins, Minnesota Vikings, New England Patriots and Philadelphia Eagles, but never appeared in any regular season games.

Bethel-Thompson signed with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in September 2016 and was released a month later without appearing in any games. He signed with the Argonauts in May 2017.

Franklin, 27, took over for veteran pivot Ricky Ray after he went down with a serious neck injury in Week 2. In his first game as a starter, Franklin led the Argonauts to a victory over the Edmonton Eskimos in Week 4, but has since struggled with three consecutive losses.

The Missouri product threw for 236 yards with three interceptions and no touchdowns in a 40-14 blowout loss to the Blue Bombers Friday night.

Franklin has thrown for 967 yards with two touchdowns and six interceptions over six games this season.

The defending Grey Cup champions hold a 1-5 record and sit in last place in the East Division.