The Edmonton Elks appear to have pulled the plug on the Boris Bede era ahead of their most important game of the season.
The veteran kicker has been listed as a healthy scratch for the annual Labour Day Classic against the Calgary Stampeders. The Elks paid a significant sum to bring in the 34-year-old East Division all-star on a two-year contract this offseason and it has not paid off.
Through 11 games, Bede has connected on just 18-of-25 field goal attempts. His 72 percent conversion rate is the worst in the CFL and the lowest in his career since 2016. After missing another critical kick in a tight Week 12 loss to the Montreal Alouettes, his fate was sealed.
37-year-old Global kicker Dean Faithfull will get the nod for this marquee matchup. The former British soccer player was the Elks’ primary placekicker as a rookie last year, connecting on 22-of-28 attempts for a conversion rate of just 78.6 percent.
In addition to the special teams switch, the Elks will get some marquee names back in the lineup after injury. Canadian quarterback Tre Ford will dress after missing the last two contests with a rib issue but will not start over veteran McLeod Bethel-Thompson. Star returner and burgeoning young running back Javon Leake will also be back in action after a one-game absence, forming a backfield trio with Kevin Brown and Justin Rankin.
On defence, veteran defensive back Loucheiz Purifoy is back in action and will return to his regular spot at free safety. Former first-round CFL Draft pick Daniel Joseph will also dress for the first time at defensive end since joining the team midseason.
To make room for the moves, quarterback Jarret Doege and defensive back J.J. Ross have been demoted to the practice roster. Global linebacker Les Maruo (calf) has been placed on the one-game injured list, while Canadian linebacker D.K. Bonhomme (hamstring) will go on the six-game.
The Edmonton Elks (3-8) will visit the Calgary Stampeders (4-6) for the annual Labour Day Classic on Monday, September 2 at 6:00 p.m. EDT.
