Courtesy: Dave Chidley/CFL.ca
The Edmonton Elks are giving a handful of key players the final week of the regular season off after being eliminated from playoff contention.
Right tackle Brett Boyko (foot), receivers Kurleigh Gittens Jr. (head) and Arkell Smith (healthy scratch), and defensive lineman Jared Brinkman (foot) will not dress on Friday against the Calgary Stampeders. Right guard Carter O’Donnell (head) will dress but only as a backup, making it five key starters out of the lineup. Backup defensive back Jaylin Williams and high-priced Canadian defensive end Robbie Smith will also be healthy scratches.
On offence, rookie American Greg Eiland will step in at right tackle, and Gregor MacKellar will get the nod at right guard, with Jaxon Morkin dressing for additional insurance. Jalon Calhoun and Tyson Middlemost will get their opportunity at the vacant receiver spots, while fullback Brad Hladik makes his debut.
Defensively, Tyreek Johnson will take first-team reps at defensive tackle. Defensive end Elijah Alston will dress as part of the rotation, while Canadian defensive back Jerrell Cummings will provide depth on the back end.
The Edmonton Elks (7-10) will host the Calgary Stampeders (10-7) at Commonwealth Stadium on Friday, October 24, with kickoff slated for 9:30 p.m. EDT. The Stampeders are coming off a blowout win over the Toronto Argonauts, while the Elks were eliminated from playoff contention following a loss to the B.C. Lions.
The weather forecast in Edmonton calls for a high of 14 degrees with a mix of sun and cloud. The game will be broadcast on TSN in Canada and CFL+ internationally. Radio listeners can tune in on 770 CHQR in Calgary and 880 CHED in Edmonton.
Graphic courtesy: Edmonton Elks