Edmonton Elks and Saskatchewan Roughriders set for rematch at Commonwealth Stadium

By Liam Tremblay — 30 July 2026 — 3 min read

The Edmonton Elks and Saskatchewan Roughriders are preparing for a rematch at Commonwealth Stadium on Saturday, following a close contest last week. The Elks secured a 36-34 road victory over the Roughriders in their previous encounter.

In that game, Elks quarterback Cody Fajardo achieved a career-best performance, throwing for 510 yards and four touchdowns. This marked the first time a CFL quarterback had thrown for 500 yards in a game since 2017. The Elks accumulated 526 net offensive yards against the defending Grey Cup champions, with Vincent Blanchard kicking a 57-yard field goal on the final play to seal their third consecutive win.

Elks receiver Austin Mack contributed significantly with four catches for 173 yards and two touchdowns, including 57-yard and 81-yard receptions in the second half. Teammate T.J. Luther also had a strong showing with 10 receptions for 157 yards.

Despite Edmonton’s offensive success, Saskatchewan’s defence managed to limit Elks running back Justin Rankin to 39 yards rushing on 12 carries, averaging 3.3 yards per carry. The Roughriders’ defence also recorded three sacks during the game. Rankin has faced challenges on the ground in recent weeks, with 39 rushing yards last week and nine yards the week before.

Roughriders’ Offensive and Defensive Performance

Roughriders’ starting quarterback Trevor Harris completed 26 of 36 passes for 386 yards, throwing four touchdowns and one interception. Receiver Kian Schaeffer-Baker led all receivers with eight catches for 186 yards and a touchdown. Saskatchewan’s offence was efficient on second down, converting 13 of 23 opportunities.

However, the Roughriders may be without running back A.J. Ouellette, who rushed for 52 yards on 12 carries before leaving the previous game with a knee injury. Head Coach Corey Mace indicated that Ouellette’s status would be evaluated week-to-week, noting that playing this week might be a “tall task.” Ouellette, a two-time 1,000-yard rusher, had previously missed games this season due to an ankle injury. In his absence, Quali Conley stepped in, rushing 20 times for 107 yards, averaging 5.4 yards per carry, and scoring one touchdown.

Saskatchewan’s defence, coordinated by Corey Mace, was ranked among the league’s best before last week’s game. It held the top spot in fewest offensive yards allowed (354.2 yards per game), passing yards allowed (266.6), offensive touchdowns allowed (11), and touchdown passes allowed (four), while also surrendering a league-low three completions of 30-plus yards.

Following last week’s contest, Saskatchewan’s defensive rankings shifted. They dropped to sixth in net offensive yards allowed (382.8), fifth against the pass (307.2 yards), and second in 30-yard completions allowed (seven). Despite these changes, they remain first in fewest passing touchdowns allowed (eight) and offensive touchdowns surrendered (15).

Injury Updates and Team Standings

In addition to Ouellette, Roughriders’ starting left guard Zack Fry did not practice due to a knee injury, with his timetable for return similar to Ouellette’s. If Fry is unable to play, it would mark the first change to the Roughriders’ offensive line this season. The usual starters have been Fry, Payton Collins (left tackle), Logan Ferland (centre), Jacob Brammer (right guard), and Jermarcus Hardrick (right tackle) for the first six games.

Receiver Samuel Emilus also missed practice due to a foot injury, while defensive back Nelson Lokombo, who had missed the previous two games with an ankle injury, was a full participant in Tuesday’s workout.

The Elks currently hold a 6-1 record, leading the West Division, while the Roughriders are in second place with a 4-2 record. Edmonton has a strong home record of 3-0, and Saskatchewan has been successful on the road with a 2-0 record. A win for the Elks in Saturday’s game would secure the season series and the tiebreaker should the teams finish the year tied. Edmonton last started 4-0 at home in 2019 and last won a season series against Saskatchewan in 2016.

The upcoming game is scheduled for Saturday at 5 p.m. at Commonwealth Stadium.

Source: theglobeandmail.com