Elks’ OL David Beard enters COVID protocol, misses Sunday practice

Photo courtesy: Edmonton Elks

Edmonton Elks’ offensive lineman David Beard has entered COVID protocol, missing Sunday’s practice.

The COVID protocol list is for players who have either contracted the virus or are a close contact of someone who has. Edmonton has now had 17 players enter COVID protocol since the start of the 2021 season.

CFL players who have previously entered COVID protocol this season include Edmonton defensive lineman Kwaku Boateng, Calgary fullback William Langlais, and Toronto receiver Ricky Collins Jr.

Beard is the club’s starting centre and hasn’t missed a game since the 2016 season. He was selected in the fifth round of the 2015 CFL Draft out of the University of Alberta and has grown into one of the league’s most consistent interior blockers.

The 28-year-old was a full participant in practice on Friday and Saturday. According to 630 CHED’s Dave Campbell, Beard will not play in Tuesday’s game against the Ottawa Redblacks, which is a big blow to the offensive line.