The CFL’s lowest-scoring teams likely will turn to new starting quarterbacks Friday night when the winless Edmonton Elks and host Redblacks meet in Ottawa.
The Redblacks (0-2) are averaging just 13.5 points per game and the Elks (0-3) are not much better at 14.7 per game heading into Week 4.
Ottawa has been idle since a 26-15 loss to the visiting Calgary Stampeders on June 15. The Redblacks gained only 280 yards (42 rushing) and Tyrie Adams replaced an injured and ineffective Nick Arbuckle at quarterback.
Arbuckle started the first two games as Jeremiah Masoli continues his recovery from knee surgery and a subsequent staph infection.
Ottawa coach Bob Dyce said Adams worked with the first team during the bye week and will make the start against Edmonton. Adams, who completed 9 of 17 passes for 129 yards with an interception against Calgary, also rushed for 19 yards and adds the run-pass option to the mix with his mobility.
“When you have someone who’s a little bit more of a threat on the perimeter, it forces the defensive line to play things a little bit more true,” Dyce said.
Edmonton is coming off a 43-31 loss Sunday to the Toronto Argonauts, extending the Elks’ league-record home losing streak to 19 games.
Jarret Doege relieved Taylor Cornelius and passed for 163 yards and two TDs against the defending Grey Cup champs in the Elks’ best showing so far, coming off their 22-0 loss to the B.C. Lions.
Doege took most of the QB1 reps this week and appears set to start Friday, though Edmonton coach Chris Jones was keeping that decision under wraps.
“He can get the offense in and out of the huddle and does a real nice job of managing the game,” Jones said of Doege. “He’s got a lot of starter qualities and has a lot of moxie to him.”
The Elks will play without wide receiver Eugene Lewis (knee), linebacker Luke Burton-Krahn (calf), offensive tackle Andrew Garnett (abdomen) and fullback Tanner Green (hamstring).
The Redblacks will not have running back Devonte Williams (shoulder), wide receiver DeVonte Dedmon (hamstring) or defensive back Sherrod Baltimore (knee).
Ottawa and Edmonton split last season’s meetings, with the road team winning both games.
–Field Level Media