Elks host Argonauts Saturday looking to snap two-game skid
Edmonton fell from atop the West Division to second place behind Saskatchewan after back-to-back losses, including a 48-30 defeat to Montreal last weekend.
The Edmonton Elks (6-3) host the Toronto Argonauts (4-4) on Saturday as they try to halt a two-game losing streak that dropped them from first to second in the CFL's West Division, behind the Saskatchewan Roughriders. Edmonton started the season 6-1 but was outscored 48-30 by the Montreal Alouettes last week, prompting frustration from the defence. Defensive back Joel Dublanko said players take pride in their defensive play and were upset at allowing 48 points.
Defensive end Malik Carney called the game important for the team's identity after losing to two strong opponents. Middle linebacker Nick Anderson, back after a six-week injury absence, said learning from adversity now is preferable to facing it later in the season, echoing head coach Mark Kilam's comments about dealing with injuries, weather and travel challenges throughout the year.
Quarterback Cody Fajardo pointed out Edmonton has split results against both Montreal and Toronto this season, teams that met in last year's Grey Cup, as evidence the Elks can compete with anyone in the league. Toronto enters on a two-game win streak, averaging 31 points and 427 total yards per game, and leads the CFL in passing offence at 363 yards per game, with three of its four wins coming on the road against West Division teams.
The Elks will be without defensive back Kenny Logan Jr., injured in the Montreal game, with JJ Ross moving to cornerback and Terez Reid taking over at halfback. After facing Toronto, Edmonton hosts the Winnipeg Blue Bombers before a bye week, as the team aims for its first playoff appearance since 2019.
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