The Edmonton Elks will be without the services of American receiver Steven Dunbar Jr. when they take on the Saskatchewan Roughriders on Friday.
The 27-year-old was placed on the six-game injured list this week with a rib issue. In 13 games this season, Dunbar has caught 39 passes for 536 yards and five touchdowns.
The native of New Orleans, La. inked a deal worth $200,000 with Edmonton in free agency after earning an East Division all-star selection last year with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. The six-foot-three, 202-pound target caught 72 passes for 1,000 yards and six touchdowns this past season with the Ticats. He built off a solid rookie season in 2021 during which he made 44 catches for 630 yards and four touchdowns over 12 games.
Canadian receiver Gavin Cobb will start in place of Dunbar. He has four catches for 93 yards this season after missing his entire rookie year with a broken leg.
Defensively, Friday will mark the return of promising young defensive end Elliott Brown. The Virginia product notched five defensive tackles and a sack in four appearances prior to suffering a knee injury and missing the last four weeks.
Canadian defensive back Jeremie Dominique (hamstring) has been added to the six-game injured list, allowing linebacker Woodly Appolon to draw into the lineup. Safety Marloshawn Franklin Jr. (hamstring) remains on the one-game injured list, while offensive lineman Phil Grohovac will be a healthy scratch.
The Elks (3-10) travel to Regina to take on the Riders (6-6) on Friday, September 15 at 9:30 p.m. EDT. Saskatchewan won the previous two games between the two franchises, with the margin of victory being a combined five points.
