RB Kevin Brown returns, Javon Leake out for Elks in Montreal

Photo: Matt Smith/3DownNation. All rights reserved.

The Edmonton Elks will have a shake-up in the backfield when they take on the Montreal Alouettes on Sunday.

Electric running back and returner Javon Leake (hip) has been placed on the injured list this week after going down early in last week’s rout of Hamilton. The CFL’s reigning Most Outstanding Special Teams Player has established himself as a weapon on offence while starting the last three games, carrying the ball 60 times for 398 yards and five touchdowns. He has also added 20 receptions for 161 yards.

Fortunately for the Elks, starting running back Kevin Brown is ready to return to the lineup after sitting out the past few weeks with a shoulder injury. The 27-year-old has rushed 54 times for 221 yards while catching 21 passes for 132 yards in seven games this season, but had a breakout 2023 in which he ran for 1,141 yards and four touchdowns.

Defensively, the team will be without veteran safety Loucheiz Purifoy (thigh). The 31-year-old has notched 27 defensive tackles, three special teams tackles, a sack, and an interception in nine games this year. Derrick Moncrief is expected to roll over the top to free safety, while Leon O’Neal Jr. steps back in at strong-side linebacker.

Also missing from the lineup this week are offensive lineman Phil Grohovac (chest) and defensive back Jake Taylor (head). Jakub Szott will step in as the seventh o-lineman, while American DB J.J. Ross dresses for the first time and Canadian DB Jeremie Dominique also comes in as insurance.

Canadian quarterback Tre Ford (chest) was limited all week in practice and will sit out a second straight game, with McLeod Bethel-Thompson continuing to start under centre.

The Edmonton Elks (3-7) will visit the Montreal Alouettes (9-1) on Sunday, August 25 at 7:00 p.m. EDT.