The Edmonton Elks are forcing a couple of veteran all-stars into their starting lineup after a long bye week.
Defensive tackle Shawn Oakman and strong-side linebacker Derrick Moncrief will start at their respective positions after being signed by the team on July 7. Oakman has recorded 90 defensive tackles, 18 sacks, and two forced fumbles over 45 games with the Toronto Argonauts, earning a CFL all-star selection in 2021. Moncrief has amassed 248 defensive tackles, nine special teams tackles, eight sacks, nine interceptions and a forced fumble in 75 games with Saskatchewan and Edmonton, receiving a league all-star nod in 2019.
Former first-round NFL draft pick Robert Nkemdiche (knee), who has seven tackles and two sacks this season, has been placed on the one-game injured list, making room for Oakman. Leon O’Neal Jr., who has 21 defensive tackles this year, has been demoted to the practice roster in favour of Moncrief.
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Elsewhere on the defence, American Romeo McKnight returns to the lineup to start at defensive end after Canadian Antonio Alfano (knee) went down with a season-ending injury. In the secondary, Kordell Jackson will step in to start at field halfback in place of Devodric Bynum, who has been kicked to the practice squad alongside American defensive end Eric Black.
Offensively, Canadian receiver Hergy Mayala returns to the starting lineup after missing the last game with a hamstring injury. He has 16 receptions for 170 yards and three touchdowns through three games.
Sixth offensive lineman Shane Richards will be a healthy scratch this week, replaced by Phil Grohovac. Rookie Canadian receiver Frederik Antoine also draws into the lineup as depth.
The Edmonton Elks (0-4) will host the Ottawa Redblacks (2-2) on Sunday, July 14 at 7:00 p.m. EDT.
Graphic courtesy: Edmonton Elks
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