Star Edmonton receiver Derel Walker returns to practice, will play in Labour Day Classic

The Edmonton Elks will have one of their star receivers back in the lineup for Monday’s game against Calgary.

REC Derel Walker took full reps today and according to head coach Jamie Elizondo, Walker will play on Monday, tweeted 630 CHED’s Dave Campbell.

Edmonton had twelve players in COVID protocol when the team returned to practice on Thursday, including Walker. He was limited in practice on Thursday and Friday but was a full participant on Saturday for the first time since the team’s recent outbreak.

Walker leads the Elks in receptions with 16 on the season, though he narrowly trails Greg Ellingson with 196 receiving yards. The four-time divisional all-star is a key part of an Edmonton receiving corps that could be without Armanti Edwards due to COVID protocol.

The Elks (1-2) visit the Calgary Stampeders (1-3) on Monday at 4:30 p.m. ET for the annual Labour Day Classic at McMahon Stadium. It remains unclear who will start at quarterback for the Stamps with Bo Levi Mitchell and Jake Maier both taking meaningful reps in practice.

Calgary has won eight consecutive Labour Day Classics dating back to 2012.