Edmonton Elks give offensive starters chance to rebound from ’embarrassing’ scrimmage in preseason opener

Photo courtesy: Edmonton Elks

The Edmonton Elks are bringing the majority of their starting offence on the road for their preseason opener against the B.C. Lions on Vancouver Island, but leaving key defensive starters behind.

Franchise quarterback Cody Fajardo will get a chance to lead his unit to redemption after he called them out for an “embarrassing” performance in the intra-squad scrimmage last week. Receivers Austin Mack and Joe Robustelli will make their Elks debuts, along with new offensive linemen Coulter Woodmansey, Brendan Bordner, and Jordan Murray. David Beard is getting the nod over Mark Korte in the battle for starting centre.

Missing from the starting lineup will be running back Justin Rankin and Canadian receiver Kaion Julien-Grant. Second-year Canadian Isaiah Knight will get the start in the backfield, while American T.J. Luther fills in at receiver.

By contrast, only a handful of projected starters will play on defence: safety Chelen Garnes, halfback Kobe Williams, strongside linebacker Kenneth Logan Jr., and middle linebacker Nick Andersen. Veteran contributors Brandon Barlow and Jordan Williams will also see action on the defensive line.

Notable players sitting out include defensive linemen Malik Carney, Jared Brinkman, Noah Curtis, Robbie Smith, and Noah Taylor; linebacker Joel Dublanko; and defensive backs Tyrell Ford, J.J. Ross, and Kordell Jackson Jr.

Returner Javon Leake also will not dress, nor will incumbent Canadian kicker Vincent Blanchard. Global rookie Jesus Gomez will handle the field goals.

The Elks will visit the Lions at Starlight Stadium in Langford at 5:00 p.m. EDT on Saturday, May 23. The weather is expected to be mainly sunny with a high of 21 degrees. The game will not be televised, but can be streamed for free on CFL+.