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All-CFL centre David Beard active for Edmonton Elks, won't start vs. B.C. Lions
By 3Down Staff -July 12, 2025
The Edmonton Elks are getting one of their best players back in the lineup ahead of Sunday's meeting with the B.C. Lions, but don't expect to see him much.
Centre David Beard will return after missing the last two games of the season with a calf injury, but is listed as a backup behind Mark Korte with American rookie Mark Evans II remaining at left guard. Backup Jaxon Morkin has been returned to the practice roster.
The 32-year-old native of Sherwood Park, Alta. was originally listed on the six-game injured list before being rushed back early, which erases much of the salary cap savings of that move. It is unclear why the Elks would incur that cost if he was not going to start.
Beard was named All-CFL for the first time in his career in 2024 as a member of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and later returned to Edmonton in free agency. The six-foot-five, 320-pound blocker spent the first eight years of his professional career with the Elks after being selected in the second round of the 2015 CFL Draft, winning a Grey Cup as a rookie. In total, he has played 128 career regular-season CFL games.
On the other side of the ball, Canadian defensive end Robbie Smith has officially been placed on the six-game injured list with an elbow injury. He became the CFL's highest-paid defensive player when he joined the Elks in free agency this offseason and has recorded eight defensive tackles through four games to start the year.
American Noah Taylor, who has recorded six defensive tackles and a sack this year, will get the start opposite Brandon Barlow. Canadian linebacker Josih Schakel has been activated for special teams depth and to fill out the ratio.
The Edmonton Elks (1-3) will host the B.C. Lions (2-3) at Commonwealth Stadium on Sunday, July 13 with kickoff slated for 7:00 p.m. EDT. B.C. is coming off a 21-20 walk-off win over the Montreal Alouettes, while Edmonton got its first win of the season in a 39-33 home victory over the Ottawa Redblacks.
The weather forecast calls for a high of 22 degrees and a mix of sun and cloud. The game will be broadcast on TSN and RDS in Canada and on CFL+ internationally. Radio listeners can tune-in on 730 CKNW in Vancouver and 880 CHED in Edmonton.
https://3downnation.com/2025/07/12/all-cfl-centre-david-beard-active-for-edmonton-elks-wont-start-vs-b-c-lions/
B.C. Lions to start pass-catching OL Andrew Peirson at centre against Elks
By 3Down Staff -July 12, 2025
The B.C. Lions have made several changes to their roster ahead of Sunday's matchup with the Edmonton Elks, most notably along the offensive line.
Starting centre Michael Couture has officially been placed on the six-game injured list after being ruled out with a hand issue. That will leave veteran backup Andrew Peirson in charge of the trenches in Commonwealth.
The 30-year-old is in his seventh season as a Lion after entering the league in 2018 as an undrafted free agent. In 73 appearances, he has made 22 starts at either centre or guard and has also caught two passes for 20 yards as a tight end.
A pair of rookies will come off the practice roster to serve as insurance along the offensive line, as Canadian seventh-round pick Alex Berwick and American Ilm Manning will both make their CFL debuts. The team will also have a new face in the backfield, as American fullback Zander Horvath (hand) has been placed on the one-game injured list and will be replaced by territorial exemption Jacob Bond, a converted linebacker from the Okanagan Sun who began practicing with the team this week after being injured in training camp.
Defensively, the Lions will still be without American defensive tackles Jonah Tavai (calf) and DeWayne Hendrix (thigh) despite both being listed as questionable this week. They also lose Canadian linebacker Adam Auclair (ankle) to the six-game injured list, Global defensive tackle Tibo Debaillie (ankle) to the one-game injured list, and defensive end Kemoko Turay to his one-game suspension for last week's brawl in Montreal.
American defensive end Jalil Clemons will dress for the second time this season to plug the gaps up front, while veteran Global linebacker Maxime Rouyer will see his first action of the year after recording 14 special teams tackles in 2024.
B.C. has also elected to make a change at returner, as Jermaine Jackson will be a healthy scratch this week and Seven McGee draws onto the roster after recovering from a thigh injury.
The B.C. Lions (2-3) will visit the Edmonton Elks (1-3) at Commonwealth Stadium on Sunday, July 13 with kickoff slated for 7:00 p.m. EDT. B.C. is coming off a 21-20 walk-off win over the Montreal Alouettes, while Edmonton got its first win of the season in a 39-33 home victory over the Ottawa Redblacks.
The weather forecast calls for a high of 22 degrees and a mix of sun and cloud. The game will be broadcast on TSN and RDS in Canada and on CFL+ internationally. Radio listeners can tune-in on 730 CKNW in Vancouver and 880 CHED in Edmonton.
https://3downnation.com/2025/07/12/b-c-lions-to-start-pass-catching-ol-andrew-peirson-at-centre-against-elks/
Will be an interesting tilt to be sure. I'm curious on how the Qbs play.
Anyone watching?
Yup I am.... just dropped off the grandkids.... sucks not watching blue bombers this week
Quote from: barbk on July 13, 2025, 11:06:31 PMYup I am.... just dropped off the grandkids.... sucks not watching blue bombers this week
To be fixed in a few short days...
No Suitor this game.... don't have to hear a million Kid Canada quotes
That looks like a bad injury to Ceresna....
Quote from: barbk on July 13, 2025, 11:14:04 PMThat looks like a bad injury to Ceresna....
take it back... walking off LOL
Ford is a better QB when he uses his feet....
that one hung up there and peters made a play
Air ball duck for Ford
Quote from: barbk on July 13, 2025, 11:15:30 PMtake it back... walking off LOL
Didn't catch that, limping?
Quote from: Blueforlife on July 13, 2025, 11:22:36 PMDidn't catch that, limping?
Yes with the trainers, after 3 plays I don't see him on defense
Metchie hurt now Ceresna back
Between the injuries and penalties this is going to be a long game.
Ford 1 for 6. Yikes!
Edmonton gifted with this turnover....
Butler having a game.
is it cody time?
The EEs are just bad bad bad , BAD.
I wanted to Ford to be good but no he just does not have IT right now. Not even close.
Holy cow it's time to start thinking about a back-up plan beyond Tre Ford. He has more rushing attempts then completions. He's completely floundering.
betts can move for a big man
what a stupid play call
Quote from: GOLDMEMBER on July 14, 2025, 12:22:30 AMThe EEs are just bad bad bad , BAD.
I wanted to Ford to be good but no he just does not have IT right now. Not even close.
The Elks aren't that bad, Ford is brutal, totally brutal. Anyone else, would have gotten the hook a long time ago, but not precious Ford, he's special, he's developing, what a bunch of bunk. You're right, he simply doesn't have it, and it's not even close, not even close. The longer they start him, the deeper the hole they dig themselves. Put in Fajardo and be competitive for god's sake!!!!
Quote from: The Zipp on July 14, 2025, 12:20:15 AMis it cody time?
they only do that when Ford is in a groove
Ceresna being hauled off on cart, that ain't good for a defense that is struggling, it just got worse
Hatcher just burns the 'other' Ford!!! not a good night for the twins!!
Ceresna's knee popped out and they popped it back in and told him he's good to go? What? I've never heard of that. Now he's down again and likely finished for the night. Bizarre.
Quote from: J5V on July 14, 2025, 12:54:55 AMCeresna's knee popped out and they popped it back in and told him he's good to go? What? I've never heard of that. Now he's down again and likely finished for the night. Bizarre.
very odd.
fords passes just hang up there
he was open
just put in Fajardo already - this is embarrassing for the Elks and their fans
I wonder what Fajardo thinks of all this crap...the guy is stinking the joint out--effectively played them out of the game, and yet he still stays in there and he has to sit and watch this crap. I feel sorry for their fans, I wouldn't go to another game Ford plays in as there is no chance of winning with him in.
Too bad Edm is so bad
Hurts the league big time
with that o line...will it matter who is in there as QB....O line or O line coach???
Quote from: Go_Big_D on July 14, 2025, 01:26:51 AMwith that o line...will it matter who is in there as QB....O line or O line coach???
Probably not
Quote from: Blueforlife on July 14, 2025, 01:21:13 AMToo bad Edm is so bad
Hurts the league big time
it does.
this game is boring and i am sure many casual fans stopped watching.
That was as hard a hit as I have seen
Too bad helmet got him
I guess spending a ton on defense, changing over 75% of your roster. and moving on from your key receivers while utilizing a young unproven qb isn't a recipe for success. Who would have guessed
Cody lucky on that air ball
Fajardo had more yards passing and TD's in one series than Ford did the whole game. Yet, no doubt they'll go back to beloved Tre Ford, as he's so awesome, and they will continue to lose and get embarassed!!
Quote from: J5V on July 14, 2025, 12:54:55 AMCeresna's knee popped out and they popped it back in and told him he's good to go? What? I've never heard of that. Now he's down again and likely finished for the night. Bizarre.
Back in WW1 that injury would have led to a quick amputation.
Quote from: Blueforlife on July 14, 2025, 01:21:13 AMToo bad Edm is so bad
Hurts the league big time
Edmonton isn't that bad. Tre Ford is that bad. The guy passed for 34 yards. The worst five year career ever.
Cant really tell if fajardo would be better, his yards are all in garbage time, and the td pass was badly thrown, Gittens just made a great play as it should have been intercepted. But he couldnt do much worse
Quote from: Pete on July 14, 2025, 01:55:03 AMCant really tell if fajardo would be better, his yards are all in garbage time, and the td pass was badly thrown, Gittens just made a great play as it should have been intercepted. But he couldnt do much worse
Even in garbage time, he didn't look much better.
Quote from: Pete on July 14, 2025, 01:55:03 AMCant really tell if fajardo would be better, his yards are all in garbage time, and the td pass was badly thrown, Gittens just made a great play as it should have been intercepted. But he couldnt do much worse
...100% -- it would literally be impossible to do worse. Where's Luke Willson?
Quote from: Jesse on July 14, 2025, 01:56:36 AMEven in garbage time, he didn't look much better.
Are you serious??? It was night and day difference. You can tell the receivers are fed up with Ford, Gittens was really p*ssed off after he got his TD. I don't know why they'll give Ford yet another shot to show he doesn't have it, but they will, and they'll continue to lose. What a sad situation....
Quote from: Blueforlife on July 14, 2025, 01:41:22 AMThat was as hard a hit as I have seen
Too bad helmet got him
Second time Lion SAM Deontai Williams has speared with his helmet with excessive force this season in the last few minutes of a game, maybe the first was against the Bombers? He also received a one game suspension for a dangerous hit on Pimpleton last season when he was still with the Vile-Riders. Hopefully the CFL has him on a quick countdown and boots him out of the league before he paralyzes someone.
edmonton is going to have an issue with players checking out if they stick with Ford. if us as fans can see that he doesn't have it - they know..they also know that Fajardo has had success in games. they do have issues with their O line that would make it a challenge for any QB.
Cody can read a defence better than Ford, Cody can throw better than Ford - he can't scramble and be as elusive as Ford.
Quote from: The Zipp on July 14, 2025, 02:24:56 AMedmonton is going to have an issue with players checking out if they stick with Ford. if us as fans can see that he doesn't have it - they know..they also know that Fajardo has had success in games. they do have issues with their O line that would make it a challenge for any QB.
Cody can read a defence better than Ford, Cody can throw better than Ford - he can't scramble and be as elusive as Ford.
Yep, Ford has been given a very long leash stretching over 4 seasons, if he wasn't a Natl. he'd be a SYQB, shades of Franklin.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on July 14, 2025, 02:23:31 AMSecond time Lion SAM Deontai Williams has speared with his helmet with excessive force this season in the last few minutes of a game, maybe the first was against the Bombers? He also received a one game suspension for a dangerous hit on Pimpleton last season when he was still with the Vile-Riders. Hopefully the CFL has him on a quick countdown and boots him out of the league before he paralyzes someone.
I can't believe he didn't get a rough play and game expulsion for the hit. Receiver was totally defenseless and it was a full speed direct helmet to helmet hit. Spearing?? What a stinking joke!!!
3Q14:14 swing pass for EDM, BC DB comes in fast during the catch motion and takes out the EDM guy at the knees. No flag. This is a classic case of that new rule against low hits on defenseless REC.
EDM guy didn't hop or jump at all, unlike the other game the other day where the guy hopped and THAT one drew the flag. SMH.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on July 14, 2025, 02:33:23 AMYep, Ford has been given a very long leash stretching over 4 seasons, if he wasn't a Natl. he'd be a SYQB, shades of Franklin.
Now that you mention Franklin, is it just me or does Tre Ford kind of look like Franklin? Seems to have the same friendly, jocular character, too.
Quote from: The Zipp on July 14, 2025, 02:24:56 AMthey do have issues with their O line that would make it a challenge for any QB.
Cody can read a defence better than Ford, Cody can throw better than Ford - he can't scramble and be as elusive as Ford.
That EDM OL is horrible. BC's OL has had tons of IR subs and seems to start a new OL every game. Yet it's EDM's OL that royally stunk it out, whichever QB was in.
I think the EDM thinking is that if you have a weak OL, the "running QB" will give you a better chance. A more-pocket guy like Cody would just get wasted in the pocket.
Normally this would be correct thinking, but I guess it doesn't work if you have 1-2 front-7 guys that can run as fast as Ford. Betts did it. T.Jones did it for us. He might do better if he played a team with no speedster on DL/LB.
They may be screwed regardless. I don't see Cody doing any better.
This game makes one think of BinBC's ideas of expanding the roster. How many EDM D left the game by halftime? And all top names, too. Any hope EDM had died a little more every time there was an injury.
Add that to the crap O and the crazy ToP and I don't even see how EDM D was even still on the field by the end.
Even our O which couldn't dent CGY had a better ToP than EDM today in our @CGY game.
If there were 2 more DIs, chances are most teams would put those on D. May have helped here. And what about a compromise of having +2 on AR, but they are "reserve AR" guys who can only play if there's a game-ending injury on that side of the ball?
Elks d line and linebacker are good, their secondary is not good, secondary players miss a lot of tackles, go for big hits a lot, and are confused about where to be.
Their D hung in there for much of the first half, but with the hopeless offence, finally collapsed.
No idea what they can do to get that offence going, I suspect Faj is well past his prime. And can't do what little he used to do anymore.
The Field goal kicker is an improvement. Maybe bede to Sask!
I didn't watch the entire game. It was painful to watch a team disintegrating. It's bad for the league as mentioned by several posters. Crowds are disappearing in Edmonton.
Things only get worse with injuries accumulating for the Elks.
BC has to get some credit but the Elks are not very good.
I was already doubting QB and coaching. Now because of Ceresna I doubt training staff as well. It's too bad they axed Jarious Jackson, it seemed they had finally turned a corner late last year. All it did was end up costing draft picks 8 and 17 which went to first place Calgary instead and no, I am not letting that go. Not sure where they go from here, I feel certain a rookie head coach is not going to help. Looking like Claybrooks 2.0, big on promise but low on delivery.
BC on the other hand just needs a break or two and they will be in a playoff position. Looks like an all round competent organization.
Ford was good last week and bad this week. That's what you get with a young guy who is learning the game. Faj JJ should have played the second half when they still had a chance.
Quote from: TBURGESS on July 14, 2025, 02:24:16 PMFord was good last week and bad this week. That's what you get with a young guy who is learning the game. Faj JJ should have played the second half when they still had a chance.
100% true. Too slow to put in Cody.
Paying him 440k was a big risk just as 230k for his brother was. I am sure they feel they have to give him every chance. That combined 670k was supposed to get fans in the seats and be a feel good story. Stunt hiring the Fords and a rookie HC which seemed in part designed to stick it to their southern rival is looking like all the wrong moves. Maybe Dickenson knew what he was doing letting Kilam go.
I think it was mentioned on the broadcast that the Elks are starting 11 Canadians. That's normally something that would be good to have but 1 - 4 record suggests paying so much for some Canadians cost them elsewhere on the roster.
Quote from: Waffler on July 14, 2025, 02:55:46 PMMaybe Dickenson knew what he was doing letting Kilam go.
It's no easy task jumping into a HC role, especially with a completely different franchise. Hell, we saw that firsthand in 2014.
Kilam is a good coach but time will tell if he can handle the load of being a head coach.
Quote from: TBURGESS on July 14, 2025, 02:24:16 PMFord was good last week and bad this week. That's what you get with a young guy who is learning the game. Faj JJ should have played the second half when they still had a chance.
They should start Fajardo, he will find a way to move the ball and at least keep them in these games. The whole organization has to step up if they expect to win any games, all their preconceived notions of what might work in the off-season should be tossed out the window.
Edmonton is in a really, really bad spot. They have an offense that is brutal--as long as they start Ford, they have NO chance of winning. Add to that, they lost some big names on their defense, which was on the field way way too long in the last game. Continued losing means players are going check out/quit on the coach, and fans are not going to come out and support this.
Their next game is against the Riders, who are definitely beatable. Elks will no doubt start Ford, since they committed a 3 yr contract to him. He will struggle yet again, and if after 1 quarter of play, he has 3 completions for 35 yards, YANK HIM, and put Fajardo in to try and win a game. Fajardo will be in his old barn, and would love to stick it to the Riders.
If they nose dive and go 1-8 or 1-10, they will be in full crisis mode and heads will roll
Tre Ford is not a rookie. He's been a CFL QB for 3 years. If he is still "learning" and turning in performances like that, well, the thing I'm most concerned about is his lack of accuracy. He throws a terrible ball.
Here is the condensed game - All the plays and replay of the big plays!!
https://youtu.be/2DOGHAl4Hgs?si=IPvce6rdv4di8hXK
Quote from: J5V on July 14, 2025, 10:55:34 PMTre Ford is not a rookie. He's been a CFL QB for 3 years. If he is still "learning" and turning in performances like that, well, the thing I'm most concerned about is his lack of accuracy. He throws a terrible ball.
I think he had 3 deep shots behind coverage where he overthrew by 5Y or so. If he hits those they likely get 2-3 more TDs.
The first deep shot he took he underthrew a bit and I think it was INTed. So he adjusted by amping up the power, but he gave it too much. This is an inability to dial in.
The reason I mention this, is 232-year veteran BLM often does the same thing. Some games he just can't dial in the distance. BLM's last game was once again everything-overthrown.
So it's not just the new guys. QBs often have trouble with distance. We're lucky that Zach tends to dial it in really well, and fast -- assuming they account for his 45Y range limitation.
Quote from: Blue In BC on July 14, 2025, 03:21:04 PMI think it was mentioned on the broadcast that the Elks are starting 11 Canadians. That's normally something that would be good to have but 1 - 4 record suggests paying so much for some Canadians cost them elsewhere on the roster.
Ya, that's crazy. At our peak in '24 I think we only started 10? At 11, what's the point of DI?? 11-4=7. Why not start the normal # of NATs (7) and then just play the NATs all game if that's what you want? Gives you infinite flexibility for subs! The ratio and sub rules get confusing when you start 9, 10, 11 NATs.
Ford has a good arm but has lots to learn. I think techno nailed it here on his analysis.
I have little faith Cody could do much better. More consistent but such a low ceiling. His deep ball is terrible.
Edm has a lot of issues, including figuring out their QB situation.
Coaching takes time, I would let it simmer.
Quote from: TecnoGenius on July 15, 2025, 03:24:03 AMYa, that's crazy. At our peak in '24 I think we only started 10? At 11, what's the point of DI?? 11-4=7. Why not start the normal # of NATs (7) and then just play the NATs all game if that's what you want? Gives you infinite flexibility for subs! The ratio and sub rules get confusing when you start 9, 10, 11 NATs.
We know the Elks spent a lot of SMS on Canadians starting with both Ford brothers. I like the fact that Canadians can earn top money when deserved. The Elks also seemed to spend SMS on their DL but not so much in their secondary.
Spending SMS is a balancing act of getting the best bang for the dollar across the entire roster. Obviously they have weaknesses on offence and on defence. In particular receiver and secondary.
Free agency is over so not a lot of new choices to make. I suppose a trade might be in the cards but that's never an easy thing during the season.
A new HC and an inexperienced QB starting + injuries spell doom.
Quote from: Blue In BC on July 15, 2025, 03:12:59 PMWe know the Elks spent a lot of SMS on Canadians starting with both Ford brothers. I like the fact that Canadians can earn top money when deserved. The Elks also seemed to spend SMS on their DL but not so much in their secondary.
Spending SMS is a balancing act of getting the best bang for the dollar across the entire roster. Obviously they have weaknesses on offence and on defence. In particular receiver and secondary.
Free agency is over so not a lot of new choices to make. I suppose a trade might be in the cards but that's never an easy thing during the season.
A new HC and an inexperienced QB starting + injuries spell doom.
Has Ed Hervey been interviewed since the beginning of the season? Like to see someone ask "how's it going so far Ed?".
Quote from: Blueforlife on July 15, 2025, 03:28:56 AMFord has a good arm but has lots to learn. I think techno nailed it here on his analysis.
I have little faith Cody could do much better. More consistent but such a low ceiling. His deep ball is terrible.
Edm has a lot of issues, including figuring out their QB situation.
Coaching takes time, I would let it simmer.
Cody gives the team some confidence and hope - you can tell they are deflated when Ford throws inaccurate pass after pass including "hospital" balls. He will get them moving the ball and believing in themselves. the magic plays Ford can do are exciting but not sustainable. Let Cody run the team for 3 games and you will see a difference - not because he has a rifle of an arm but he knows how to play the QB position.