The Ottawa Redblacks seek their first win away from the nation’s capital on Sunday when they visit the Edmonton Elks, who have come up short in all four games this season regardless of venue.
The Redblacks (2-2) expect to have starting quarterback Dru Brown under center against the Elks (0-4). Brown was placed in concussion protocol earlier in the week before serving as a full participant in practice Thursday and Friday.
Brown completed just 2 of 6 passes for 24 yards in Ottawa’s 25-16 setback to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on July 5. Brown left the game after sustaining a hit to the head from Winnipeg linebacker Redha Kramdi with less than two minutes remaining in the first half.
Backup Dustin Crum went 8-for-11 for 102 yards and an interception in place of Brown.
Ryquell Armstead rushed for a touchdown and rolled up 103 yards on the ground, although his costly fumble on a botched lateral served as one of the three turnovers that ultimately went a long way in derailing the Redblacks.
“It’s tough to come on the road and turn over the ball,” Ottawa head coach Bob Dyce told TSN1200. “Penalties kind of bit us in the rear end. We lacked some discipline (against the Blue Bombers).”
While the Redblacks fell short last weekend, the Elks had the week off to lick their wounds and see what adjustments could be made after losing all four of their games this season by a combined 17 points.
“Our last three games we’ve played have been field goal game(s),” Edmonton general manager and head coach Chris Jones said. “With that being said, you just really needed one more play on either side of the ball or on special teams. We’re hoping that with some tweaks here or there, maybe we get that one or two plays that we need.”
With that in mind, the Elks signed a pair of former CFL All-Stars in defensive lineman Shawn Oakman and linebacker Derrick Moncrief.
Quarterback McLeod Bethel-Thompson has completed 71.1 percent of his passes this season for 1,225 yards with seven touchdowns against five interceptions. Dillon Mitchell has 21 receptions for 355 yards and a touchdown.
–Field Level Media
