The Edmonton Elks will have an eye toward the future when they visit the rival Stampeders on Saturday, making veteran quarterback McLeod Bethel-Thompson a healthy scratch for the penultimate game of the season.
As expected, Canadian dual-threat passer Tre Ford will get the start after not throwing a pass since Sept. 21. The 26-year-old has gone 2-1 as a starter this season, throwing for 604 yards, six touchdowns, and three interceptions and rushing 14 times for 92 yards.
However, Ford is not the only young quarterback expected to see action, as second-year pivot Jarret Doege will dress as a backup for just the third time this year and could get into the game according to reports. The 26-year-old appeared in 16 games as a rookie in 2023 and started one, finishing the year 42-of-65 for 587 yards, four touchdowns, and four interceptions. He has not thrown a pass this year.
Both quarterbacks are in contract years and will be auditioning for a role in the future of the organization.
Returning to the lineup after a personal absence last week is defensive lineman Noah Curtis. The second-year Canadian, who was drafted by the Elks in the fourth round of the 2023 CFL Draft, has had a breakout campaign to this point, notching 21 tackles and six sacks in 15 games. Rookie linebacker Olivier Muembi has been moved to the practice roster as a result.
The Elks (5-11) will visit the Calgary Stampeders (4-10-1) on Saturday, Oct. 12 with kickoff slated for 3:00 p.m. EDT. Both teams have already been eliminated from postseason contention.
Graphic courtesy: Edmonton Elks
