The Edmonton Elks are making a quarterback change this week as McLeod Bethel-Thompson will start against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
“There has to be consistent play at that position,” said interim head coach Jarious Jackson. “That’s the most important position on the field and when the play is inconsistent, then it shows in our play.”
“This is not personal whatsoever. I love every guy in that quarterback room, so it’s not personal. It’s about winning football games and that’s my job to make the tough decisions to win football games.”
The 36-year-old native of San Francisco, Calif. has started 10 games for the Elks this season, posting a record of 3-7. He has completed 67.7 percent of his pass attempts for 3,146 yards, 19 touchdowns, and nine interceptions on the year and carried the ball 10 times for 83 yards along the ground.
Bethel-Thompson came on in the late stages of last week’s loss to the Blue Bombers, completing five-of-ten pass attempts for 48 yards. Over 68 career CFL games he has thrown for 16,407 yards, 89 touchdowns, and 58 interceptions, winning two Grey Cups as a member of the Toronto Argonauts.
Canadian quarterback Tre Ford got the start under centre but struggled against Winnipeg, completing 10-of-17 pass attempts for 131 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions. The dual-threat passer was also unable to use his legs effectively, carrying the ball twice for only nine yards.
The Edmonton Elks (5-9) will visit the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on Friday, Sept. 27 with kickoff slated for 8:00 p.m. EDT.
