Edmonton Elks rule out free agent acquisition Joe Robustelli for Week 1

Photo courtesy: Edmonton Elks

The Edmonton Elks will have to wait at least two more weeks before seeing one of their prized free agent additions in action.

American receiver Joe Robustelli has officially been ruled out for Saturday’s season-opener against the Ottawa Redblacks. The 28-year-old has been a non-participant in practice all week due to a hamstring injury.

Robustelli signed a one-year contract with the Elks this offseason after spending his first two CFL seasons with the Saskatchewan Roughriders. He suited up in 12 games during the 2025 campaign, recording 38 receptions for 544 yards with three touchdowns. His best performance came in Week 6 against the Calgary Stampeders, when he posted 11 receptions for 191 yards with one TD.

The six-foot-three, 220-pound target only played one year of college football, suiting up for Tusculum University in Tennessee during the 2023 NCAA Division II season. He made 20 receptions for 475 yards, averaging 23.8 yards per catch, while scoring six touchdowns in eight games with the Pioneers.

Also ruled out for the Elks’ opener are defensive linemen Brandon Barlow (Achilles), Darien Newell (Achilles), and Silas Hubert (ribs), offensive lineman Brett Boyko (hand), and defensive back Benjamin Sangmuah (knee). Defensive lineman Noah Taylor (hamstring) and defensive back Kordell Jackson (head) are listed as available.

The Edmonton Elks (0-0) will visit the Ottawa Redblacks (0-0) on Saturday, June 6, with kickoff scheduled for 7:00 p.m. EDT. Both teams missed the playoffs in 2025.

The weather forecast in Ottawa calls for a high of 26 degrees and a 40 percent chance of rain. The game will be broadcast on TSN and RDS in Canada, CBS Sports Network in the United States, and CFL+ internationally. Radio listeners can tune in on 880 CHED in Edmonton and TSN 1200 in Ottawa.