Edmonton Elks opt for ShunDerrick Powell, Montrell Washington over Javon Leake in West Final

Photo courtesy: Edmonton Elks.

The Edmonton Elks are going with the hot hand for the West Final on Saturday at the expense of an established veteran.

After returning to the lineup healthy in the regular-season finale, running back and returner Javon Leake will begin the playoffs on the reserve roster. The former Most Outstanding Special Teams Player award winner has contributed 811 yards on kickoff returns, 518 yards on punt returns, and 170 yards on missed field goal returns in 12 games this season, while adding 215 rushing yards and 112 receiving yards with one touchdown.

The 28-year-old was not listed on the injury report this week, but could not displace two emerging rookies on the roster. ShunDerrick Powell has seized the change-of-pace role on offence, producing 423 yards from scrimmage and three touchdowns in six games. Montrell Washington has taken over as the top return threat, averaging 26.3 yards per kickoff and 11.7 yards per punt.

The Elks will get several other key veterans back into the lineup after extended absences. Right tackle Jordan Murray is back after six games off with a foot injury, completing a fully healthy offensive line unit. West Division All-CFL halfback Kordell Jackson returns after three weeks off due to an ankle injury.

Offensive lineman Joe Cooper will join Leake on the reserve roster. Players starting the postseason on the one-game injured list include running back Isaiah Knight, receiver T.J. Luther, offensive lineman Brett Boyko, defensive linemen Gavin Meyer and D.K. Bonhomme, linebackers Tyron Vrede and Brock Mogensen, and defensive back Leonard Johnson.

The Edmonton Elks (13-5) will visit the B.C. Lions (10-8) for the West Final at Commonwealth Stadium on Saturday, November 7, with kickoff scheduled for 6:30 p.m. ET. The teams met twice during the regular season, with both teams winning at home.

The game will be broadcast on TSN and RDS in Canada and CFL+ internationally. Radio listeners can tune in on 730 CKNW (English) or Sher-E-Punjab Radio AM 600 (Punjabi) in Vancouver or 880 CHED in Edmonton.