The Edmonton Elks got back into the win column last week with a gutsy, multi-faceted performance from all three key parts: the offence, the defence, and special teams.
Complete wins like that one over the Ottawa Redblacks can go a long way for a team, and for the Elks, they’re looking to carry that momentum as they face the B.C. Lions Friday night for the second time in three weeks. In Week 5, they faced the Lions in Kelowna, walking out with a 36-24 loss, their first, and so far only, of the season.
Turnovers played their parts, but the Lions were hungry, entering that week winless. B.C. will be fresh for Week 7, coming off a bye week that has left them more than enough time to prepare.
Edmonton failed to get running back Justin Rankin going, which will surely be something they look to change for the potent back, while finding a way for their defence to limit Nathan Rourke will be a challenge in its own right.
Edmonton Elks vs. B.C. Lions
- Date: Friday, July 17, 2026
- Kickoff: 7 p.m. MT
- Location: Edmonton, Alta.
- Venue: Commonwealth Stadium
- Watch: TSN
- Weather at kickoff via Environment Canada: 28 degrees, chances of showers, risk of thunderstorms. Wind blowing east at 15 km/h.
FIELD GOALS
Elks offensive lineman Mark Korte: “We can show better than what we did in Kelowna. BC’s a good team, though. I know their record maybe doesn’t say it right now, but I think they’re one of the best teams, so they’re going to be a good test, and we’re going to be ready for them. I think we all feel like we didn’t have our best showing in Kelowna and we’ll have our best showing on Friday night.”
Elks defensive back Kordell Jackson: “The most important thing we want to do is get the fans out. So any time you’re winning at home, and you get the fans excited, more and more people show up, and that’s what we want. We want to get back to the glory days, that’s our goal for sure.”
DEPTH CHARTS
Elks
The Elks have lost offensive linemen David Beard (calf) and defensive tackle Jordan Williams (upper-arm) to the six-game injured list. The aforementioned Korte will step in at centre for Beard, while Tomari Fox will replace Williams in the defensive trenches.
Lions
The Lions will see four players return from injury this week. Defensive halfback T.J. Lee returns after missing two weeks, while Deontai Williams returns to the nickel spot. Defensive lineman Levi Bell returns to his spot opposite Mathieu Betts on the line, while linebacker Ben Hladik returns from an ankle injury.
