Edmonton Elks release Canadian DL Sam Acheampong, sign two others

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The Edmonton Elks have released Canadian defensive lineman Sam Acheampong ahead of their first preseason game.

The six-foot-five, 270-pound native of Brampton, Ont. was originally a second-round pick of the Toronto Argonauts in the 2020 CFL Draft. He was traded to the Elks in 2023 and played six games last season, recording eight defensive tackles.

In total, the 29-year-old has recorded 57 defensive tackles, one special teams tackle, and four sacks over 35 regular-season CFL games. The Wilfrid Laurier University product won a Grey Cup with the Argonauts in 2022.

In corresponding moves, the team signed Canadian defensive lineman Reece Martin and American defensive lineman Charlie Looes. American linebacker Darien Butler was also placed on the suspended list.

Martin was a fourth-round pick by the Hamilton Tiger-Cats back in 2023 CFL Draft and dressed for three games last year without recording a statistic. He was released earlier this month. The native of Moncton, N.B. recorded 89 tackles, 12.5 sacks. and 24 tackles for loss as a standout at Mount Allison University.

Looes spent last season at Rice University, recording 43 total tackles and 3.5 sacks. The six-foot-three, 275-pound pass rusher previously attended Dartmouth, where he made 92 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, and 9.5 sacks, earning first-team All-Ivy recognition in 2023.

The Edmonton Elks open the preseason on Saturday, May 24 when they visit the Calgary Stampeders.