Edmonton Elks list top two running backs as game-time decisions against Argos

Photo: Edmonton Elks

The Edmonton Elks have listed their top two running backs — Justin Rankin and ShunDerrick Powell — as game-time decisions for Saturday’s matchup with the Toronto Argonauts. The team released its official depth chart on Friday morning.

Rankin suffered a head injury in last week’s victory over the Calgary Stampeders and was a limited participant during practice on Tuesday and Wednesday. The 29-year-old has appeared in every game this season, rushing 143 times for 853 yards and nine touchdowns. He has also caught 50 passes for 534 yards and a touchdown, ranking second in the CFL in terms of total yards from scrimmage.

Powell entered the lineup when Javon Leake was placed on the six-game injured list and has rushed for 135 yards and a touchdown through two appearances. He also exited last week’s game with a rib injury and has been limited throughout the week in practice.

Second-year Canadian running back Isaiah Knight has drawn into the lineup as insurance and will get the nod if neither American can go. The 23-year-old was a second-team U Sports All-Canadian at the University of British Columbia, but has just two carries for 12 yards in his CFL career. The Elks have no other running backs available on the roster.

Edmonton will get a boost on the defensive side of the ball, however, as strong-side linebacker Kenny Logan Jr. and defensive tackle Jordan Williams make their returns from the injured list. In nine games, Logan Jr. had collected 34 defensive tackles, two sacks, a forced fumble, and an interception, while Williams posted four tackles, a sack, and a forced fumble in the first five games.

Kordell Jackson will return to boundary halfback to make room for Logan and Terez Reid has shifted to the field side, where Kobe Williams is now listed as a backup. American defensive back Leonard Johnson has been moved to the practice roster, while Canadian rookie Benjamin Sangmuah is on the reserve roster this week. Promising rookie American defensive tackle Gavin Meyer has been placed on the one-game injured list due to a shoulder issue.

The Edmonton Elks (10-3) will visit the Toronto Argonauts (7-6) at BMO Field on Saturday, September 19, with kickoff scheduled for 3:00 p.m. EDT. Last week, the Elks dominated the Calgary Stampeders in the annual Labour Day Classic rematch, while the Argonauts beat Ottawa thanks to a walk-off field goal from Lirim Hajrullahu.

The game will be broadcast on TSN, CTV, RDS, and Crave in Canada, and CFL+ internationally. Radio listeners can tune in on 880 CHED in Edmonton or TSN 1050 in Toronto.

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