After a bye in Week 8, the Edmonton Elks return to action on Thursday night when they host the Winnipeg Blue Bombers at Commonwealth Stadium.
This marks the second meeting in three weeks between the Elks and Bombers. The teams played on July 20 at IG Field, where the Bombers prevailed 28-14.
| Kickoff | 7:00 p.m. MT |
| Gates open | 6:00 p.m. MT |
| Game theme | Indigenous Celebration |
| Presenting partner | MH Care Medical |
| Broadcasts |
Radio: 630 CHED TV: TSN United States: CBS Sports Network International: CFL+ |
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The reenergized Elks are ready for spark under the guidance of new offensive coordinator Jarious Jackson, who was promoted to the role on July 31. Meanwhile, second-year quarterback Tre Ford will make his first start of the 2023 regular season. Ford started three games last season for the Elks, and led the Green and Gold to a thrilling come-from-behind victory over the Hamilton Ti-Cats at Tim Hortons Field on Canada Day 2022.
Sorry we couldn’t hear you guys… did y’all say you wanted @treford_1?#OurteamOurCity #GoElks #CFL pic.twitter.com/Lr0DgZ1qPm
— Edmonton Elks (@GoElks) August 8, 2023
One of Ford’s primary targets will be Dillon Mitchell, who loves playing the Bombers. In both of his career games against Winnipeg, Mitchell has topped 100 yards receiving and scored a touchdown, with a reception of at least 59 yards in each game. That includes in Week 7, when he scored a touchdown with an 80-yard reception at IG Field.
Edmonton’s offense will further be bolstered by the return of veteran receiver Manny Arceneaux, who is back in the lineup for the first time following a stay on the six-game injured list. The three-time CFL West All-Star is chasing history, needing just 34 receiving yards to become the 30th player in CFL history to join the 9,000 receiving yard club. Arceneaux is also two touchdown receptions from becoming the 30th player in league history to have 60 touchdown catches, and he is closing in on cracking the top 20 for most receptions all-time.
Also returning to action from the six-game injured list is defensive back Ed Gainey. The 2-time CFL All-Star, who has four tackles and an interception in two games this season, brings a decade of CFL experience to Edmonton’s defensive backfield.
For the first time, the Elks will be wearing their new Indigenous logo on their helmet. Unveiled last week, the logo was created by Conrad Plews, who is a Metis artist of Cree background, and inspired by Izaiah Masuskapoe’s 2021 Elks logo design. Select merchandise featuring the new logo will be available for purchase at the Elks Team Store, with all net proceeds from sales on game night going to Indigenous Sport Council Alberta.
INDIGENOUS CELEBRATION GAME
Be there when the Elks take on the Winnipeg Blue Bombers during the Indigenous Celebration at Commonwealth Stadium on August 10. Being part of the action has never been more affordable, with tickets starting at just $15. Click here to get your tickets now and be part of the tradition.
Elks Football…Our Team. Our City.