The Edmonton Elks have added American linebacker Brian Cole II to the practice roster.
The six-foot-two, 213-pound linebacker was selected in the seventh round, 249th overall, by the Minnesota Vikings in the 2020 NFL Draft. He also had stints with the Miami Dolphins and Carolina Panthers, dressing for preseason games with the latter in 2021. He was in training camp with the Saskatchewan Roughriders in 2022.
Collegiately, Cole played in 17 games for Mississippi State in 2018 and 2019, recording 78 total tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, three sacks, 12 quarterback pressures, two interceptions, four passes defended, one forced fumble, and two fumble recoveries. He also returned 16 kicks for 329 yards.
Cole previously played one season at East Mississippi Community College, where he tallied 54 tackles, one sack, three forced fumbles, one fumble recovery for a touchdown, and blocked three kicks in 2016. He suited up for three games as a true freshman at Michigan in 2015, recording one reception in his NCAA debut.
The Elks also moved American receiver Caleb Holley and Canadian defensive back Ethan Makonzo to the practice roster. Edmonton also placed Canadian offensive lineman Marc-David Bien-Aimé on the suspended list.
Holley spent last week on the one-game injured list. The five-season CFL veteran appeared in one game with Edmonton this season, making two catches for 51 yards in the Elks’ home-opening loss to Saskatchewan on June 18.
Makonzo rejoins the Elks after being released on June 27. The Montreal native has played in two games with the Green and Gold this season.
Bien-Aime, Edmonton’s third-round draft selection in the 2022 CFL Draft, has yet to see regular season action.
The Elks are slated to visit the Hamilton Tiger-Cats at Tim Hortons Field on Friday evening at 7:30 p.m. ET.
