Extra, extra, read all about it.
The Edmonton Elks are 3-0 to start the 2026 season — the first time they’ve had such a start since 2017.
After securing a thrilling overtime win over the Montreal Alouettes Saturday, the Elks travelled on a short week to the ‘Peg to face off with a stingy Blue Bombers team. It was far from easy, as while the Elks didn’t have to battle the rain like they did in Weeks 1 and 3, they had another issue to deal with: the fans.
While Edmonton had put together a 17-7 halftime lead, they would stall out for much of the second half, allowing a raucous crowd at the Princess Auto Stadium to get into the game, and so too the Blue Bombers, who fought back to take a late lead.
“We had some communication issues, that’s what stalled a couple of our drives,” quarterback Cody Fajardo told TSN after the game. “When they took the lead, this place was loud, and it was hard to communicate. Guys lined up on wrong sides, it was difficult. It was a hornet’s nest, (but) ee have a different mindset in that locker room, and we came out with a victory.”
It was one of those games where all three elements — offence, defence and special teams — played big parts in the game.
Offensively, Fajardo threw for 267 yards and a touchdown, completing 25 of 35 passes, as Justin Rankin had another big day on the ground, scampering for 106 yards. Receiver Kaion Julien-Grant caught six of seven targets for 84 yards, as T.J. Luther caught his first CFL touchdown to win the game.
Defensively, the team would force four fumbles, thanks to ball-hawking efforts from defensive back Kordell Jackson, and defensive linemen Noah Taylor, Jordan Williams, and Malik Carney.
On special teams, punter Jake Julien helped pin the Blue Bombers, averaging 44.9 yards per kick.
Couple that with facing some adversity, and this young Elks team is learning in real time how to win games — even if they took their foot off the gas in the second half.
Edmonton Elks Week 4 recap
The first half
In terms of first halfs, Thursday’s against the Blue Bombers was close to perfect.
The Elks controlled much of it, and got off to a great start as, on the first play from scrimmage, linebacker Joel Dublanko blitzed, forcing Blue Bombers Zach Collaros into a sack. Edmonton would force a 2-and-out to start the game, and the offence got to work.
Cody Fajardo would put together a 95-yard opening drive, finding Austin Mack twice, leading to Justin Rankin punching in his fourth touchdown of the season, as Vincent Blanchard kicked a convert to take a 7-0 lead.
The Elks’ defence would get back to work, as it was linebacker Brock Mogensen forcing a Brady Oliveria fumble that would be returned deep into Winnipeg’s zone. Edmonton would leave points on the board, but a Blanchard field goal made it a 10-0 game.
Edmonton would have an 11-play drive to end the first quarter, turning the ball over on downs, before the Elks defence would force another fumble, with Dublanko making Dante Daniels to cough up a ball.
Five plays later, short-yardage quarterback Cole Snyder would punch in a one yard touchdown, and Edmonton was suddenly up 17-0.
Winnipeg would finally make some noise late in the first half, as they marched 66-yards in 1:23 before Collaros found receiver Tim White for a 26 yard touchdown, making it a 17-7 game at halftime.
Second half
While it was a high-flying first half, the same couldn’t be said for the third quarter and most of the second half.
The third quarter would feature four Elks punts, two Blue Bombers punts, a Winnipeg field goal, and fumbles for both teams.
Much of that would continue into the fourth quarter, too. Until, that is, the Collaros manufactured a 65-yard drive, leading to a one-yard touchdown pass to Oliveria, taking an 18-17 lead, the Blue Bombers’ first of the game.
The Elks’ next drive would stall after six plays, before the defence put together a big 2-and-out, giving Edmonton the ball on their own 53-yard line. Deking and dunking down the field with short passes, Fajardo would march down the field before finding T.J. Luther in the end zone for an eight yard touchdown, giving Edmonton a 23-18 lead — one they would hold onto to win the game.
Next up
The Elks will get a chance to catch their breath, having nine days until they visit the B.C. Lions for a WEek 5 matchup on July 4.
