Since COVID-19 canceled the 2020 CFL season, the Edmonton Elks have tried multiple coaches, multiple quarterbacks and all kinds of gimmicks to consistently win games.

As an 18-53 overall record and ghastly 5-30 home record attest, none of it has worked.

Edmonton (0-3) will make another attempt at its first win of the year Sunday night when it hosts the Ottawa Redblacks.

The Elks nearly stunned Winnipeg on the road June 27 but gave up an unlikely 13-yard rushing touchdown to veteran quarterback Zach Collaros with 5:42 left that sealed a 36-23 loss.

“We’ve gotten better three weeks in a row but it’s about winning and it’s about doing the things that we need to get better to be on the other side of this result,” said first-year Edmonton coach Mark Kilam.

Wasted in the loss was a solid performance from quarterback Tre Ford, who was 18 of 29 for 252 yards and a touchdown. His 68-yard strike to Kaion Julien-Grant sparked a third quarter comeback that forged a 23-23 tie.

While the Elks are seeking their first win, Ottawa (1-3) was denied its second straight win on June 29 when Toronto came into town and took a 29-16 decision. The Redblacks also lost top receiver Bralon Addison to a shoulder injury that will keep him out of at least the next two games.

The good news for Ottawa is that starting quarterback Dru Brown (hip) appears ready to return from a three-game absence after being injured in a Week 1 loss at Saskatchewan. Brown’s return comes just in time for him to have a go at the league’s worst defense. Edmonton has allowed at least 31 points in every game.

“It’s fantastic to see Dru out there and I thought he looked good,” Redblacks coach Bob Dyce said after practice on Wednesday.

Dustin Crum and Matt Shiltz have split the pivot duties in Brown’s absence but outside of a 20-12 win at rain-soaked Calgary two weeks ago, neither has played well enough.

–Field Level Media