The Edmonton Elks will not have star running back Kevin Brown available for Saturday’s matchup with the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
The 27-year-old back has been placed on the one-game injured list after a shoulder issue left him limited in practice this week. The injury is the latest setback in a disappointing campaign for both the runner and his franchise.
Brown had a breakout season in 2023, carrying the ball 186 times for 1,141 yards and four touchdowns. He also added 28 receptions for 222 yards and another major through the air. The Incarnate Word product has had no such success this year, rushing 54 times for just 221 yards in seven losses while catching 21 passes for 132 yards.
There was hope that the promotion of dual-threat athlete Tre Ford to the starting quarterback job this week would help spark Brown’s game, but fans will have to wait another week. Returner Javon Leake, who has 120 rushing yards and 87 yards receiving this year, has been tapped as the starter in his absence, while former Indoor Football League all-star Justin Rankin has also been activated.
Other than the loss of their top back, the Elks will remain largely the same offensively for Ford’s first start as they have for McLeod Bethel-Thompson’s tenure. Backup receiver Arkell Smith (chest) will be the only other absence.
On defence, cornerback Marcus Lewis (foot) has been placed on the six-game injured list after recording 13 tackles and an interception this year. Devodric Bynum will come off the practice roster to start on the boundary side, while Leon O’Neal Jr. dresses for additional depth in the secondary. Canadian linebacker Michael Brodrique will also rejoin the lineup, kicking rookie DK Bonhomme off the game-day roster.
The Edmonton Elks (0-7) will visit the Saskatchewan Roughriders (5-2) on Saturday, August 3 at 7:00 p.m. EDT.
