Three games into his season in the CFL and Llevi Noel shows no signs of complacency, no longer trying to figure things out on the fly given his rookie experiences.

Noel has all kinds of potential, one of many Canadians on the Argos who show flashes of high-end play.

He’s a determined kid, the kind who doesn’t shy away from whatever challenge.

During the chaos that was the 2016 season, a year of upheaval, the Argos turned to Noel as a starting receiver when the club cleaned house, ridding itself of some high-maintenance Americans.

In retrospect, Noel wasn’t ready for the added role, but it didn’t have any negative impact on his ability to play special teams.

The year would end with Noel among the very best, not just on the Argos but also in the entire league.

When an injury hit Chandler Worthy last Saturday night in Ottawa, Noel handled some kickoff return duties.

“I’m looking to do a little more,’’ said Noel comparing this year’s early season run to last season. “I felt going into this year I would definitely be a bit more comfortable, just more aware of what would happen. I’m doing all right right now, but I’m definitely pushing to do better.”

With so much depth at the receiver position, Noel isn’t likely to get any reps on offence, barring injury.

It was an injury to Worthy that opened the door for Noel to return kickoffs.

For now, his main attribute is on the cover and return teams, a very physical player with a burst and athleticism.

Having the ball in his hands, is an added bonus for Noel, who occasionally stepped in last season as a returner.

“It’s always fun on special teams,’’ added Noel. “I just love going down (the field) and making a block, making a play.”

The rule of thumb on kickoff returns is to run north, straight up field.

“Obviously you want to set up the blocks,’’ said Noel. “Sometimes you take a step or two to the inside and then you go straight up field.”

The improvements with Noel are obvious and yet he’s only going to get better.

The game has slowed down and every opportunity Noel has on the field represents a learning moment.

“As each play goes along, you pick up on little things,’’ he said. “And that only makes you better.”

SHORT WEEK, SHORTHANDED

It’s a short week and the Argos might find themselves shorthanded for Thursday’s game against the host Blue Bombers.

For the second time this season, the Argos will play a team with the benefit of six days between kickoffs, the first arriving against B.C. when the visitors scored 18 straight points in the fourth quarter to run away with its victory.

In Ottawa, the Argos began the game by yielding 11 successive points.

Ken Bishop, a beast at defensive tackle, has a foot injury and was in a walking boot Monday, a walkthrough day for the Argos.

Returner Chandler Worthy hurt his leg in Ottawa and is doubtful, at best.

Veteran running back Brandon Whitaker, who was banged up late in Ottawa, should be fine against Winnipeg.

fzicarelli@postmedia.com

DEPTH ON DISPLAY

Whether it’s coaching, scheming, talent, getting the right mix of players who buy into a system, there’s myriad reasons why an individual is allowed to excel.

When opportunity arrives and the proper preparation is adhered, you have moments when the likes of Victor Butler penetrates the backfield and records sacks.

You also get moments such as veteran Jeff Finley getting to shine when the spotlight intensifies.

Along the line of scrimmage, the glamour positions are at end, often the beneficiaries of one on one sequences when interior linemen are filling their gaps and taking on blockers, allowing the likes of Butler and Shawn Lemon to go into attack mode.

Finley is the kind of veteran every team needs to have for sustained success, a guy who has been around the block, someone who understands the nuances of the CFL, someone who accepts his role and is glad for the opportunity.

He’s one of a handful of Guelph alumni on Toronto’s roster, a free-agent signing the Argos made this off-season when Finley had no clue who would be in charge, on and off the field.

The way Finley describes it, his time in Montreal, while enjoyable, came to an end, no bitter feelings, just the urge to play close to his native St. Catharines.

When Ken Bishop, one of the few holdovers from last year’s defence, was injured in Ottawa, Finley stepped in, recording two sacks.

With no import backup on defence, the Argos actually had three Canadians, Cleyon Laing and Jermaine Gabriel, on the field.

Naturally, Canadians fill in following an injury, but there was no mention of how the Argos virtually played with one fewer import.

There was no mention whatsoever of rookie quarterback Dakota Prukop being activated to the 46-man roster for the Ottawa game.

The kid didn’t play because the team deactivated Prukop, but it did allow him to travel on the road and experience a road game.

Finley has seen it all, recording his second two-sack game of his career, the first as a member of the Alouettes when Montreal hooked up with B.C. in a playoff game.

Bishop was in a walking boot Monday and it’s not looking good in terms of Bishop being available this Thursday night when the Argos, coming off a short week, visit the Peg.

In his place, Dylan Wynn, a product of Oregon State, should make his CFL debut.

For Finley, it’s all about winning.

“At the end of the day, that’s all that matters,’’ said Finley. “I couldn’t care less about personal stats.”

His play, though, did reveal depth and depth is always a critical factor in the CFL, especially when the grind of an 18-game season takes its toll.

Finley always wanted to play for the Argos and the decision to sign became a no-brainer.

“It just felt right, it felt like a right fit,’’ said Finley. “I felt my time in Montreal was up and I thought I needed a switch. I found myself here, best decision I’ve ever made.”