The Edmonton Elks enter week 12 fresh off a 30-12 victory in week 11 while on a road last week at Ottawa vs the Ottawa REDBLACKS.  The 2022 schedule being the 2022 schedule, both clubs were set to square off in a home-and-home series for week 12 now with the setting in the Alberta Capital.  For an Edmonton team that has had a lot of struggles this year, improving their record to 3-7 was much needed in a time where most of their respected games were amongst the CFL best in the always tougher west division. 

On a positive note, for the 2022 Edmonton Elks, all 3 victories thus far were against eastern division teams.  Moreover, they tied their win total from the 2021 season going 3-11 in a shortened 14-game schedule.  The Edmonton Elks have a legitimate chance of improving their record to a 4-7.  More importantly, to finally get a home victory for the first time since week 18 of the 2019 season.  The unfortunate home losing streak currently sits at 12 games which will be a perfect time to do 2 things: Break the losing streak at home and have a 2-game winning streak for the 1st time this season.

Edmonton Depth Chart

In an inevitable change for the Ottawa REDBLACKS with their sub-par quarterback performances by both Caleb Evans and Nick Arbuckle, Nick Arbuckle will replace Caleb Evans from his week 11 start.  It will be vital to not let Nick Arbuckle get into an offensive groove to find any momentum that could possibly go against Edmonton’s favor.  The only bright spot this year on the Ottawa offense has been none other than the always reliable WR Jaelon Acklin.  He will be a busy target in which Edmonton CB Duron Carter will be busy trying to create a much-needed defensive swing when it needs to matter most to stall the Ottawa Offense.

A big blow at LT in which Tony Washington has been placed on the 6-game injury list from suffering a recent neck injury.  He will be replaced by rookie LT Martez Ivy.  Martez Ivy now switches from RT to LT from last week’s game.  Andrew Garnett will now cover the RT spot for week 12.  Another loss to the Edmonton offense will be regarding Emmanuel Arceneaux who is also on the current 6-game injury list coping with an ankle injury.  He will be replaced by rookie WR Dillon Mitchell out of the University of Oregon.

On a positive note, the Edmonton offensive line receives Centre David Beard back from a 1-game absence after suffering an unknown illness.  He was replaced by Mark Korte last week in which Mark Korte now goes back to his natural RG position.  

Ottawa REDBLACKS Depth Chart

The most notable absence on the Ottawa offense will be without the services of RB William Powell who missed last week’s game and has now been placed on the 6-game injured list.  He will be replaced again by RB Devonte Williams.  The Edmonton defense did a great job last week in stopping the run.  Aside from the 82 yards that Caleb Evans compiled using his dual-threat capabilities, the Edmonton defense did a fine job in stopping the run against running backs.  The Edmonton defense was able to hold Devonte Williams for 20 yards of 7 carries.  This was then followed up with Ryan Davis at – 1 yard rushing on 2 carries, and Jackson Bennett for -3 yards of 2 carries.  

Keep the Momentum     

You are now at home in Edmonton. Give something for the fans to cheer about that have suffered this year.  You owe to them.

In a game where both teams are battling inevitable injuries just like all teams thus far, Edmonton has a chance to gain more momentum and confidence going forward.  After all, it is a rebuilding year.  With that said, whenever you can add to the win column there are only positives going forward.  More importantly, you can end the losing streak curse at home which will be a huge burden lifted off of all Edmonton Elks fan’s shoulders.

Let’s go Edmonton!  Antler up!   

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