Edmonton Elks lose two key weapons for Labour Day Classic

Photo courtesy: Edmonton Elks.

The Edmonton Elks will be without a couple of key weapons for their Labour Day Classic clash with the Calgary Stampeders, though the loss will be offset by the return of two major offseason acquisitions.

Return specialist Javon Leake (hamstring) and standout rookie receiver T.J. Luther (hamstring) have both been placed on the six-game injured list.

Leake, who won the CFL’s Most Outstanding Special Teams Player award in 2023 as a member of the Toronto Argonauts, has fielded 35 kickoffs for 769 yards, 47 punts for 509 yards, and six missed field goals for 170 yards this year. He has also been a frequent contributor on offence, rushing 31 times for 180 yards and catching 11 passes for 80 yards, adding one touchdown.

Luther is widely regarded as a candidate for the CFL’s Most Outstanding Rookie award this season. In 11 games, he has caught 52 passes for 649 yards and three touchdowns, becoming an essential part of the offence.

Running back Shunderrick Powell will dress to handle return duties for Leake. Luther will be replaced by touted free-agent addition Joe Robustelli, who is slated to make his Elks debut after being sidelined by a hamstring injury all season. The 28-year-old suited up in 12 games during the 2025 campaign for the Saskatchewan Roughriders, recording 38 receptions for 544 yards with three touchdowns.

Offensive lineman Coulter Woodmansey, another part of Edmonton’s offseason shopping spree, will also make his return to the lineup after being sidelined with a knee injury since the season opener. The highest-paid offensive lineman in the CFL will slot in at right guard, bumping veteran Brett Boyko into a backup role and sending rookie Chris Pashula back to the practice roster.

Canadian safety Royce Metchie will also return from a hamstring injury and is listed as a backup behind Chelen Garnes. Tyshon Blackburn has been moved to the practice roster as a result.

The Edmonton Elks (8-3) will visit the Calgary Stampeders (5-6) at McMahon Stadium on Monday, September 7, with kickoff scheduled for 6:00 p.m. EDT. Last week, the Elks were on bye while the Stampeders beat the Hamilton Tiger-Cats thanks to a late touchdown run from Dedrick Mills.

The weather forecast in Calgary calls for a high of 15 degrees with a chance of showers. The game will be broadcast on TSN in Canada, CBS Sports Network in the U.S., and CFL+ internationally. Radio listeners can tune in on 880 CHED in Edmonton or 770 CHQR in Calgary.

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