The Edmonton Elks will have a difficult task for their week 8 encounter on the road in Regina, Saskatchewan, when they clash with one of the CFL's finest, the Saskatchewan Roughriders. The Elks have not been able to produce any consistency through the five games that they have played thus far. There have been some good flashes in all three phases of the game for the 2025 edition of the Edmonton Elks. However, it is not transitioning to success in the win column.
Edmonton will have to be playing with a sense of urgency when they encounter the Saskatchewan Roughriders in one of the most hostile environments in the CFL.
Factoring in the weak play by the offence as a whole this season, it’s difficult to imagine any positive outcome for Edmonton when they depart Mosaic Stadium.
Throughout the week, it was announced that QB Tre Ford will be benched in favour of QB Cody Fajardo. The decision makes sense due to the lack of production from the offence as a whole. It’s the reason why they obtained Cody Fajardo in the first place to add depth for moments like this when needed, due to subpar play or an injury. It was now official, as announced on Thursday, July 23rd, 2025, that Cody Fajardo will start in week 8.
Game Details
Date / Location: Friday, July 25th, 2025 / Mosaic Stadium / Regina, Saskatchewan
Kickoff Time: 9:00 PM EST
Channel: TSN / CFL +
Weather Forecast: 15 Degrees Celsius. Feels like 14 Degrees Celsius. Sunny during the evening, and will remain clear overnight. The wind gusts will be 33 kilometres per hour in a north direction.
Odds
Spread: Saskatchewan Roughriders: (- 9.5) -115 / Edmonton Elks (+9.5) -105
Money line: Saskatchewan Roughriders (- 550) / Edmonton Elks (+400)
Over / Under: Over 53.5 (-118) / Under 53.5 (-104)
Via FanDuel Sportsbook
Edmonton Elks Depth Chart
Saskatchewan Roughriders Depth Chart
Edmonton Elks Injury Report
Edmonton does not have an extensive injury list entering week 8. However, there are some key injuries with DB Devodric Bynum (Chest) listed as out, LB Eteva Mauga-Clements (Knee) listed as out, and DB Royce Metchie (Ankle) listed as out.
Saskatchewan Roughriders Injury Report
Saskatchewan does come in limping in week 8 with WR / Returner Mario Alford, (Hip) listed as out, WR Shawn Bane Jr. (knee) listed as out, RB Ka’Deem Carey (Knee) listed as out, OL Payton Collins (Knee) listed as out, OL Zack Fry (Head) listed as out, and OL Daniel Johnson (Shoulder) listed as out.
Players to Watch: Edmonton Elks
RB – Justin Rankin
If the Edmonton offensive line can outmatch the Saskatchewan defensive line during key drives of the game, Justin Rankin can break a game open. He might also be a player who will have to carry his team on his back if the passing game is struggling.
LB – Nick Anderson
Unfortunately, he is one of the few bright spots on the Edmonton defence. He takes no plays off and puts in the effort no matter what the outcome of the game at any given moment. Saskatchewan fans know that Nick Anderson can make a play that can cause an emotional shift for Edmonton.
Players to Watch: Saskatchewan Roughriders
WR – KeeSean Johnson and WR – Dohnte Meyers
Both players have been electrifying with the Saskatchewan passing game this season. KeeSean Johnson has 425 receiving yards, with a 14.2 average yards per catch, and 1 touchdown. Dohnte Meyers has been equally effective with 394 receiving yards, with an average of 14.1 yards per catch and 4 touchdowns.
RB – A.J. Ouellette
The power back thrives on contact, and in some cases, looks for it. He is always difficult to stop when he runs at full steam. With 428 rushing yards and 3 touchdowns, he is a game killer when it comes to clock management for the opposition.
Keys to an Edmonton Victory:
Make it difficult for the Saskatchewan Offence.
It will be easier said than done. Saskatchewan has a balanced offence that is difficult to stop. Edmonton needs to find ways throughout the game to gain confidence in getting turnovers on the Saskatchewan side of the field. In return, a struggling Edmonton offence has to capitalize on miscues to put points on the board with a short field.
Special teams need to be strong.
This is for both the kickoff and punt teams, along with the kickoff and punt return teams. If Edmonton can create positives on both sides, it will be another asset in point production.
Do not get discouraged.
It’s easy to fold when nothing is going your way, as it has been with Edmonton this season. Edmonton has to keep the game within reach entering the 4th quarter.
Prediction
Unless there is a miracle at Mosaic Field that favours Edmonton, this game can get very ugly and very fast. The main theme this season has been a burden across the board due to the lack of offensive productivity. Due to this, the defence has been on the field way too soon in between any series.
Final Score:
Saskatchewan: 36
Edmonton: 28
Expect Saskatchewan to come out strong in the 1st half of the game. Edmonton will counter and match Saskatchewan at times during the game. Unfortunately, although the offence is better this week, there will be some mistakes made that will cost the team a chance for a possible victory.
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