BC Lions (1-1) vs Edmonton Elks (0-2)
Thursday, August 19th, 2021, 10:00 pm EST @ BC Place
Game Preview
The pressure is on for the Elks, who come into this week on a 2 game losing streak despite quarterback Trevor Harris leading the league in passing yards (566 yds) and running back James Wilder Jr. leading the league in rushing yards (174 yds). They’ve struggled to find the endzone during the first 2 weeks of the season, but they’ve moved the ball well between the 20-yard lines, and the defense has played exceptionally well. They’ll be without impact defensive lineman Kwaku Boateng who is out due to Covid protocols, but with the number of playmakers Edmonton has on both sides of the ball, this team could begin to turn their season around if they fix the redzone troubles they’ve encountered in the last 2 games.
The Lions have their home opener in week 3 as they come off their first win of the year. Following an injury that kept him somewhat limited during week 1, Michael Reilly helped lead his team to a victory against the Calgary Stampeders in week 2. Reilly was limited all week in practice but is expected to start against the Elks. The Lions are a talented team that is heating up; Michael Reilly is currently 2nd in the league in passing yards (545 yds), and they have the league’s top 2 receiving yards leaders in Lucky Whitehead (244 yds) and Byran Burnham (213 yds). BC’s run game should be something to keep an eye on as well, with running back Shaq Cooper, a former member of the Edmonton Elks, expected to make his first start for BC in this matchup. Additionally, the Lions’ defense has played well, holding the high-powered Stampeders offense to no touchdowns, and forcing Bo Levi Mitchell to throw 4 interceptions in week 2. They’ll look to keep the win streak going in what could either be a shootout or a blowout depending on if Edmonton can find the endzone.
Injury Report
Edmonton Elks
- Kwaku Boateng – DL – COVID Protocols – Out
- Malik Clements – LB – Hamstring – Out
- Armanti Edwards – WR – Knee – Out
- D’Ondre Wesley – OL – Non-Injury Related – Out
- Cole Nelson – DL – Healthy Scratch
- Dakota Prukop – QB – Healthy Scratch
BC Lions
- Tim Bonner – DL – Hamstring – Out
- James Butler – RB – Ankle – Out
- Lemar Durant – WR – Knee – Questionable
- Ryker Mathews – OL – Head – Out
- Gary Peters – DB – Hamstring – Questionable
- Michael Reilly – QB – Right Elbow – Questionable
- Hunter Steward – OL – Ankle – Questionable
- Keon Hatcher – WR – Healthy Scratch
