They didn\u2019t face each other in 2025, thanks to Alexander\u2019s recurring hamstring issues. But they\u2019ll finally get the opportunity Saturday, when the Als (2-0) meet Edmonton at Commonwealth Stadium (4 p.m., TSN3, RDS, TSN Radio-690, 99.5 FM).<\/p>\n
\u201cHe (Fajardo) knows how much he means to me, from a football and leadership perspective,\u201d Alexander said this week after practice. \u201cEverything that I went through those couple of years with Cody \u2014 we have nothing but love and respect for each other. He was an incredible mentor for me. The way he carries himself and his attitude.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Als are undefeated and Alexander has passed for a league-leading 777 yards and four touchdowns. He has a career regular-season record of 13-0 and hasn\u2019t been intercepted in 2026. Edmonton is coming off a bye in the schedule, having won its opener at Ottawa 29-21. Fajardo passed for 266 yards and a touchdown. The Elks are attempting to go 2-0 for the first time since 2019.<\/p>\n
\t\tEditor\u2019s Picks\t<\/p>\n
Here are some other thoughts and questions to ponder:<\/p>\n
Is there another trick play coming? This is \u2014\u00a0and the Als\u2019 former quarterbacking legend has already left his mark.<\/p>\n
Three plays into last Friday\u2019s victory over Toronto, Calvillo called a flea-flicker. Tailback \u2014\u00a0was the middle man as Alexander and Tyson Philpot connected on a 45-yard touchdown less than two minutes into the game.<\/p>\n
\u201cI loved the aggressiveness,\u201d Alexander said. \u201cWe used to run flea-flickers almost every game in college. I haven\u2019t hit one in a while, so that was fun. The aggressiveness keeps teams on their toes.<\/p>\n
\u201cI try and let A.C. just call the game,\u201d he added. \u201cHe\u2019s so good at calling the game and getting a feel for the game. He played the position, obviously, at the highest level possible. Sometimes I\u2019m hoping he\u2019ll get to (a particular play). Other times I\u2019m thinking this one came out of nowhere and was an incredible call. I\u2019m not too worried about it. Let him do his thing and get into a rhythm. It\u2019s like playing quarterback. He gets into a rhythm offensively, calling the plays. He gets a feel and it\u2019s a beautiful thing.\u201d<\/p>\n
Only in the CFL: The Als had an opening this week for a returner after the release of Phillip Brooks, who fumbled in the fourth quarter against Toronto, perhaps sealing his fate.<\/p>\n
So the team repatriated , who played for the Als from 2019 to \u201922. Traded to Saskatchewan in 2023, Alford was named the league\u2019s outstanding special-teams player that season and won a Grey Cup with the Roughriders in 2025 \u2014\u00a0against Montreal. He attended training camp with Hamilton this season, but was released after one exhibition game.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s like a circle,\u201d said Alford, 34. \u201cIt\u2019s a blessing to be here. Anything can happen at any given moment. I\u2019m just excited to be back. It was tough (being released). I haven\u2019t been in that situation for a long time. I just stayed grounded \u2026 stayed ready for this moment.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m still fast at 34.\u201d<\/p>\n
Despite having only one practice with his new team, Alford was added to the roster vs. Edmonton.<\/p>\n
Injury front: The Als will be without receiver and boundary linebacker Tyrice Beverette. Sterns was outstanding against the Argonauts, catching nine passes for 114 yards, while veteran Beverette is one of Montreal\u2019s defensive leaders.<\/p>\n
Najee Murray returns to play strong-side linebacker after missing one game, while placekicker Jose Maltos-Diaz has recovered from his groin injury and is expected to play. With his status uncertain this week, the Als signed former Ottawa kicker Lewis Ward, who goes onto the practice roster. Replacing Sterns will be the duo of and Canadian Kaseem Ferdinand. <\/p>\n
Ferdinand dressed for four games last season, but has yet to catch a pass, while Owens \u2014\u00a0the son of former NFL receiver Terrell Owens \u2014\u00a0is making his CFL debut.<\/p>\n
![\"Elks](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/0620-spt-alouettes-2026.jpg\")
Elks receiver Austin Mack celebrates his touchdown during pre-season game against the Calgary Stampeders in Edmonton on May 29. Greg Southam \/ Postmedia<\/p>\n
Look out, ol\u2019 Macky is back: Former Als receiver Austin Mack was released last winter \u2014\u00a0before being owed an off-season bonus \u2014\u00a0and resurfaced in Edmonton, reunited with Fajardo.<\/p>\n