Edmonton Elks sign RB Ja’Won Howell, release one

The Edmonton Elks have signed American running back Ja’Won Howell.

The six-foot-one, 220-pound ball-carrier spent the past two seasons at Alabama State University where he rushed 173 times for 680 yards and six touchdowns in 22 games.

The native of Lanett, Ala. started his collegiate career at the University of North Alabama, carrying the ball 70 times for 284 yards and one touchdown in 26 games.

The Elks also released Canadian defensive lineman Olivier Charles-Pierre.

The six-foot-one, 350-pound nose tackle dressed for three games with the team this past season, recording three tackles.

Charles-Pierre played at the University of the Incarnate Word in 2022, recording 37 total tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, and one forced fumble over 13 games.

The native of Laval, Que. started his collegiate career at the University of Houston, recording 10 tackles, three tackles for loss, and 1.5 sacks over three seasons.

Charles-Pierre went unselected in the 2021 CFL Draft.