Edmonton Elks secure first CFL playoff berth since 2019

Photo: Edmonton Elks

The Edmonton Elks are going back to the playoffs for the first time in seven years.

The team clinched a spot in the postseason after dismantling the Calgary Stampeders in front of 31,531 fans at Commonwealth Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Cody Fajardo threw for 232 yards and three touchdowns, Edmonton’s defence generated five takeaways, and Silas Hubert scored a major off a blocked punt. The final score was 53-16.

Edmonton’s most recent playoff appearance came in 2019 when they finished fourth in the West Division standings at 8-10.

That year, the team crossed over to the East Division and defeated the Montreal Alouettes in the East Semi-Final before losing the East Final to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.

The last time the Elks made the playoffs in the West Division was 2017 after finishing in third place at 12-6. The club defeated the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the West Semi-Final before losing to the Calgary Stampeders in the West Final.

Edmonton has not hosted a playoff game since 2015, which is also the most recent time the club won the Grey Cup.

The Elks (10-3) will return to the field against the Toronto Argonauts (7-6) on Saturday, September 19 with kickoff scheduled for 3:00 p.m. EDT.