Edmonton Elks rule out David Beard against Winnipeg Blue Bombers

Photo: Edmonton Elks

The Edmonton Elks will officially be without offensive lineman David Beard when they host the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on Friday night. The team issued its official depth chart on Thursday.

The 33-year-old did not practice this week due to an injury to his ribs, and has been placed on the one-game injured list. He has made 12 starts this season at centre.

The native of Sherwood Park, Alta. has played 164 career regular-season games as a member of the Elks and Hamilton Tiger-Cats. He was named All-CFL in 2024 and won a Grey Cup as a rookie with Edmonton in 2015.

Mark Korte will start in Beard’s place, as he did for the four previous games Beard missed earlier this season. The 30-year-old has played 136 career regular-season games for the Ottawa Redblacks and Elks, earning an All-West Division selection in 2024.

Noah Curtis and Tomari Fox have been activated from the reserve roster to beef up Edmonton’s defensive line. Curtis has recorded four defensive tackles, one tackle for loss, one sack, and one pass knockdown this season, while Fox has made eight defensive tackles and one sack.

Canadian running back Isaiah Knight and Global linebacker Tyron Vrede have also been promoted from the practice roster.

Defensive lineman Silas Hubert (ankle) and linebacker DK Bonhomme (knee) have both been moved to the one-game injured list, while Gavin Meyer has been placed on the reserve roster.

Edmonton can clinch first place in the West Division with a win this week, and is 2-0 against Winnipeg on the season. The team won 23-18 in Week 4 at Princess Auto Stadium, and 22-19 in Week 12 at Commonwealth Stadium.

The Edmonton Elks (12-4) will host the Winnipeg Blue Bombers (8-8) on Friday, October 16 with kickoff scheduled for 9:30 p.m. ET. The Blue Bombers got a key win over the Calgary Stampeders last week, while the Elks completed their sweep of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.

The game will be broadcast on TSN in Canada and CFL+ internationally. Radio listeners can tune-in on 680 CJOB in Winnipeg or 880 CHED in Edmonton.

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