Despite massive organizational changes, the Edmonton Elks will be fielding a nearly identical roster for their rematch with the Ottawa Redblacks.
The Elks fell 37-34 to the Redblacks on Sunday after several key game-management errors late in the game set up a walk-off field goal. That loss led to the firing of head coach and general manager Chris Jones at the start of the short week, with Jarious Jackson taking over the interim title on the sideline and Geroy Simon tapped to handle GM duties.
Those changes won’t yet be visible on the game-day roster as the team will have just one new player in the lineup on Friday. Rookie American defensive end Noah Taylor will make his CFL debut as a backup, while linebacker Aubrey Miller Jr. has been placed on the practice roster despite recording four special teams tackles in five games.
It remains to be seen how Jackson will handle the team’s quarterback situation, as Canadian backup Tre Ford is expected to get some more situational minutes alongside starter McLeod Bethel-Thompson. The 26-year-old youngster has yet to take a snap this year despite starting 10 games in 2024 and possessing unique speed for the position.
Canadian linebacker Michael Brodrique (groin) and American defensive tackle Robert Nkemdiche (knee) remain on the one-game injured list, while Canadian offensive lineman Shane Richards and rookie receiver Zach Mathis continue to be healthy scratches.
Remaining on the six-game injured list are quarterback Jarrett Doege and American receiver Kyran Moore, as well as Canadian receiver Vincent Forbes-Mombleau, offensive lineman Tomas Jack-Kurdyla, defensive linemen J-Min Pelley and Antonio Alfano, and defensive back Jake Taylor.
The Edmonton Elks (0-5) will visit the Ottawa Redblacks (3-2) on Friday, July 19 at 7:00 p.m. EDT.
