The Edmonton Elks have made limited changes to their roster ahead of Thursday’s game against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, one of which is moving Brett Boyko into the starting role at right tackle.
The Saskatoon native dressed for his first game as a member of the Elks in Week 5 but served in a depth role. David Foucault has moved back to his spot at left guard after starting at right tackle last week, while third-round 2023 CFL Draft pick Phillip Grohovac has return to his role as the sixth blocker.
Edmonton will dress newcomer Sam Acheampong in a depth role behind starting defensive tackle J-Min Pelley. The former second-round pick out of Wilfrid Laurier was acquired by the team via trade from the Toronto Argonauts last weekend and has recorded 36 tackles and eight sacks in 31 career CFL games.
Defensive end Elliott Brown will also make his season debut after spending the first five weeks of the year on the practice roster. The move comes after the Elks released Daniel Ross, who started four games at defensive tackle earlier this season.
Among those who remain on Edmonton’s six-game injured list are star receiver Eugene Lewis and defensive backs Ed Gainey, Aaron Grymes, and Enock Makonzo.
The Elks are amid a 19-game home losing streak that dates back to the 2019 season. The club already surpassed the previous CFL record for consecutive home losses last season and is looking to avoid tying the all-time professional sports record of 20 set by the St. Louis Browns of Major League Baseball in 1953.
Edmonton’s next three games are against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers (4-1) and B.C. Lions (4-1), making this arguably a must-win game. Hamilton is coming off a short week as they won their first game of the season this past Saturday against the Ottawa Redblacks.
The Elks (0-5) are scheduled to host the Ticats (1-3) on Thursday, July 13 with kickoff slated for 9:00 p.m. EDT. This will mark the first of two meetings between the teams this season.
