The Edmonton Elks have lost 10 straight home games, a streak they will try to end Friday night against the undefeated Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
The Elks (2-4) have lost both of their home games, but have won two of their past three games overall going into the meeting with the defending Grey Cup champion Blue Bombers (6-0).
The Elks have not won at home since the 2019 season. The league did not play in 2020 because of COVID-19.
The Blue Bombers have defeated previously unbeaten teams in consecutive weeks, 43-22 over the B.C. Lions July 9 and 26-19 over the Calgary Stampeders July 15.
“Awesome,” Blue Bombers receiver Rasheed Bailey said. “Shoot, man, it’s hard to win in this league. People are underestimating how we’re winning. Offensively, we’re stepping up and making plays. Defensively, we’re playing lights out.”
The Elks are coming off a 32-31 comeback win over the Montreal Alouettes on July 14.
“For us, it would be big to add another win, especially at home,” said Elks placekicker Sergio Castillo, who was with Winnipeg last season. “I know there were no wins here last year at home, so that’s something that we can bring to the city of Edmonton, to our fans.”
The Elks also have receiver Kenny Lawler, who led the CFL in receiving yards (1,014) in 2021 with Winnipeg last season.
“You just can’t give him any room because he makes great catches all over the field, over the middle, down the field, jump balls, tight windows,” Blue Bombers middle linebacker Adam Bighill said. “He’s a premier receiver and you can’t give him room to breathe.”
Winnipeg receiver Greg Ellingson (hip) and defensive lineman Jackson Jeffcoat (hip) were listed as out for Friday.
Edmonton quarterbacks Tre Ford (shoulder) and Kai Locksley (hamstring), receiver Derel Walker (hip/groin), defensive back Nafees Lyon (shoulder) and linebacker Tre Watson (knee) are listed as out.
Elks defensive back Duron Carter (ankle) is set to return. Taylor Cornelius is scheduled to start at quarterback for Edmonton.
–Field Level Media