The Edmonton Elks returned to the observe discipline off their bye week on Sunday as they stay up for the ultimate 5 video games of the season.
The staff has misplaced 5 video games in a row and sits with a 2-7 report, useless final within the West Division.
The Elks are nonetheless mathematically alive for a playoff spot, however they are going to now have prone to run the desk and win their remaining 5 video games beginning with Friday’s dwelling matchup in opposition to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.
The Elks observe Friday’s sport with a home-and-home set with the Saskatchewan Roughriders after which street video games in opposition to the Toronto Argonauts and the B.C. Lions.
Head coach Jamie Elizondo says the climb gained’t be straightforward however believes his staff can nonetheless make a run.
“We’ve got two missions, and the primary mission has 5 targets,” Elizondo mentioned.
“When you have a look at these 5 targets, these groups are both at or beneath or barely above the .500 mark. If it comes shut and we are able to win these 5 video games, then we’ve the tie-breaker over Hamilton. If we beat Saskatchewan twice, then we’ve the tie-breaker over Saskatchewan. If we beat Toronto, then we may have, if it comes right down to it, the tie-breaker over Toronto. If we beat B.C., then we may have the tie-breaker over B.C., so there’s quite a lot of tie-breakers in play nonetheless.”
Transferring on from Trevor Harris
Final Sunday, the Elks traded quarterback Trevor Harris to the Montreal Alouettes in trade for American defensive finish Antonio Simmons.
For veteran receiver Greg Ellingson, it’s now the primary time he gained’t be on the identical staff as Harris because the 2015 season. He says it’s robust to see an excellent pal depart however he understands the enterprise.
“We’ve got quite a lot of recollections, particularly in Ottawa and right here in 2019, however that’s a part of the enterprise,” Ellingson mentioned.
“The entrance workplace has their job to do, and my job is to make performs as a receiver. That is my staff and that is the place I’m at proper now, so I’m going to again every little thing (Elks’ administration) do and I’m going to exit and attempt to get wins.”
The commerce of Harris now means Taylor Cornelius is the Elks’ beginning quarterback. He’ll begin in his fourth sport of the season on Friday evening in opposition to the Tiger-Cats. Cornelius says he merely needs to maneuver ahead and provides the staff the perfect probability to win.
“I’m simply excited to maneuver ahead,” Cornelius mentioned. “I’m able to get these subsequent 5 video games underneath our belt and see the place we’re at, come the tip of the season.”
In his third begin of the season in a 26-16 loss to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on Oct. 15, Cornelius accomplished 17 of 29 cross makes an attempt for 187 yards passing and threw one landing cross, his fourth of the season. General, Cornelius has handed for 811 yards throwing 4 landing passes to 6 interceptions in 4 video games performed.
Simmons prepared for a brand new begin
Elks defensive finish Simmons practised together with his new staff on Sunday after the Alouettes despatched him to Edmonton in trade for Harris. Simmons, who has seven defensive tackles and two sacks this season, says he wasn’t too stunned the Alouettes shipped him out.
“The way it went the final two weeks after I was there, yeah I wasn’t stunned with the way it went down,” Simmons mentioned. “It’s a clear slate, and I’m blissful that I get a recent begin. What occurred in Montreal will keep in Montreal, and I’m simply prepared to maneuver on.”
In 2019, Simmons recorded 45 defensive tackles and 7 sacks in his first season with the Alouettes.
The Elks host the Hamilton Tiger-Cats on Friday evening on The Brick Area at Commonwealth Stadium. Kick-off shall be at 7:45 p.m. 630 CHED may have Countdown to Kick-off beginning at 6 p.m.
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