The Edmonton Elks made a pair of transactions on Wednesday, re-signing Canadian offensive lineman Brett Boyko as well as signing American defensive back Donnie Lewis Jr.
Boyko returns to the Elks after suiting up in 14 games and making 13 starts at right tackle in 2023. Boyko joined the team following a stint with the Orlando Guardians of the XFL. The six-foot-seven offensive lineman was a former second round pick of the BC Lions in 2015. The UNLV product played in 15 games with the BC Lions in 2019, before suiting up for eight games with the Saskatchewan Roughriders in 2021.
Boyko also spent time in the NFL with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2015 and the Los Angeles Chargers from 2016-2018.
Lewis Jr., joins the Green and Gold after he spent time on the Hamilton Tiger-Cats practice roster last season. Prior to coming to the CFL, the 27-year-old defensive back spent the 2023 season with the Birmingham Stallions in the USFL, where he finished the year with 10 tackles and one interception in five games.
The Baton Rouge, LA native was originally selected by the Cleveland Browns in the seventh round of the 2019 NFL Draft. He spent two seasons with the club before also playing for the Cincinnati Bengals in 2020-21 and the Denver Broncos in 2022. Lewis Jr. was drafted out of Tulane University where he spent four seasons and registered 160 tackles, eight interceptions and 37 pass breakups with the Green Wave. As a senior in 2018, he was named All-American Athletic Conference Second Team.
The Elks open the team’s 75th anniversary season on Saturday, June 8 by hosting the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
