The Edmonton Elks will have veteran defensive back Loucheiz Purifoy back in the lineup when they host the Montreal Alouettes on Friday.
The eight-year veteran missed the team’s season-opening loss to Saskatchewan with an undisclosed illness but returned to practice on Tuesday and will get the start at safety. He started seven games at safety and seven games at strong-side linebacker with the team in 2023, recording 49 defensive tackles, three interceptions, and two touchdowns in his first season with the Elks.
The 31-year-old native of Cantonment, Fla. broke into the CFL as a member of the B.C. Lions in 2016 and has since had stints with the Ottawa Redblacks and Saskatchewan Roughriders. He has made 331 defensive tackles, 19 interceptions, eight sacks, and six forced fumbles over 116 career games.
Rookie Kordell Jackson, who started at safety in Week 1, will bump over to field-side halfback for his second game, while Devodric Bynum has been moved to the practice roster. The UAB product had three defensive tackles and a forced fumble in his lone career start.
Canadian linebacker Josiah Schakel (ankle) has been added to the one-game injured list. Newly signed Canadian safety Josh Hagerty will take his place on the game-day roster after recording 23 defensive tackles, 16 special teams tackles, and one forced fumble over 31 career games with the Toronto Argonauts.
Canadian offensive tackle Brett Boyko (head) will be on the one-game injured list for a second consecutive week. American defensive lineman Joe Jackson and Canadian offensive lineman Phil Grohovac remain healthy scratches.
The Edmonton Elks (0-1) will host the Montreal Alouettes (1-0) at Commonwealth Stadium on Friday, June 14 with kickoff slated for 9:00 p.m. EDT.
