Edmonton‘s running game gutted out a road win in Winnipeg, keeping the Elks undefeated at 3-0.
The Edmonton Elks escaped Princess Auto Stadium with a 23–18 victory over the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, staying perfect on the young season. Edmonton moves to 3-0 and sits atop the West, while Winnipeg falls to 1-2 and is already looking up at the rest of the division. The Bombers had the yards — actually outgaining Edmonton 396 to 388 — but couldn’t punch in a rushing touchdown and the Elks’ three sacks made life miserable enough late to hold on.
Box Score
Team
Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
OT
Final
Edmonton Elks
10
7
0
6
0
23
Winnipeg Blue Bombers
0
7
4
7
0
18
See full player stats and game details
Game Highlights
Top PerformersEdmonton Elks
Justin Rankin (RB) — 15 att, 106 yds, 1 TD | 3 rec, 9 yds
Cody Fajardo (QB) — 25/35, 267 yds, 1 TD, 0 INT
Kaion Julien-Grant (WR) — 6 rec, 84 yds
Austin Mack (WR) — 5 rec, 58 yds
Joshua Cephus (WR) — 6 rec, 51 yds
Joel Dublanko (LB) — 6 tackles, 1 sack
Brock Mogensen (LB) — 6 tackles
Chelen Garnes (DB) — 6 tackles
JJ Ross (DB) — 5 tackles
Noah Taylor (DL) — 2 tackles, 1 sack
Winnipeg Blue Bombers
Zach Collaros (QB) — 24/33, 290 yds, 2 TD, 0 INT
Nic Demski (WR) — 6 rec, 92 yds
Brady Oliveira (RB) — 13 att, 77 yds | 6 rec, 45 yds, 1 TD
Tim White (WR) — 5 rec, 55 yds, 1 TD
Dante Daniels (TE) — 2 rec, 51 yds
Evan Holm (DB) — 8 tackles
Redha Kramdi (LB) — 6 tackles
Tony Jones (LB) — 6 tackles
Major Williams (DB) — 6 tackles
Deatrick Nichols (DB) — 3 tackles
Team Stats
Stat
Edmonton Elks
Winnipeg Blue Bombers
Total Yards
388
396
Passing
25/35, 267 yds, 1 TD
24/33, 290 yds, 2 TD
Rushing
22 att, 121 yds, 2 TD
19 att, 106 yds, 0 TD
Sacks Allowed
0
3
Turnovers
0
0
Quick Hits
Edmonton rushed for 121 yards and 2 touchdowns on 22 carries — that ground game won this football game, plain and simple.
Rankin cracked the 100-yard mark on just 15 carries (7.1 ypc), making him one of the most dangerous backs in the league through four weeks.
Collaros finished 24/33 for 290 yards and 2 TDs with zero interceptions and still lost — Winnipeg’s inability to run it in (0 rushing TDs) was the difference.
Nic Demski led all receivers with 6 catches for 92 yards but couldn’t find the end zone; Winnipeg needed more from their top weapon in crunch time.
Fantasy note: Kaion Julien-Grant is quietly building a case as Fajardo’s go-to target — 6 catches, 84 yards in a game Edmonton controlled with the run.
What’s Next
CFL Standings | Full Schedule | League Leaders
What’s your takeaway? Drop your thoughts in the comments.