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Veteran Mark Korte steps back into Edmonton Elks' starting lineup against B.C.
by 3Down Staff July 16, 2026
The Edmonton Elks will have two new starters in the trenches on Friday when they face off against the B.C. Lions.
Centre David Beard (calf) and defensive tackle Jordan Williams (upper arm) have both been placed on the six-game injured list after being formally ruled out on Wednesday.
On offence, veteran Mark Korte will step in as the snapper after losing the battle with Beard in training camp. The 30-year-old has played 125 career regular-season games as a member of the Redblacks and Elks. Rookie Chris Pashula will draw onto the roster as the sixth man.
Defensively, Tomari Fox has been upgraded to the starting spot after recording three defensive tackles in four games. Rookie Gavin Meyer will dress as part of the rotation.
Elsewhere on the roster, Global linebacker Tyron Vrede has been placed on the one-game injured list with a knee issue after making two special teams tackles in his debut. Canadian rookie Justin Pace will return to the lineup in his place. Edmonton will also swap backup Canadian receivers, as Zach Mathis dresses this week and rookie Carter Kettyle returns to the reserve roster.
The Edmonton Elks (4-1) will host the B.C. Lions (1-3) at Commonwealth Stadium on Friday, July 17, with kickoff scheduled for 9:00 p.m. EDT. The Lions are coming off a bye week, while the Elks dominated the Ottawa Redblacks in a 40-17 win at home.
The weather forecast in Edmonton calls for a high of 29 degrees and sun. The game will be broadcast on TSN and RDS2 in Canada and CFL+ internationally. Radio listeners can tune in on 730 CKNW (English) or Sher-E-Punjab Radio AM 600 (Punjabi) in Vancouver or 880 CHED in Edmonton.
https://3downnation.com/2026/07/16/veteran-mark-korte-steps-back-into-edmonton-elks-starting-lineup-against-b-c/
T.J. Lee highlights four impactful returnees for B.C. Lions in Edmonton
by 3Down Staff July 16, 2026
The B.C. Lions will get four impactful players back from injury on Friday night in Edmonton, including a pair of defensive starters.
Veteran halfback T.J. Lee is the most notable reinsertion, after the 35-year-old missed the past two weeks with a calf injury. The longest-serving Lion had recorded 11 defensive tackles in two games prior to the injury and will retake his place to the boundary, forcing a reshuffle in the secondary.
Deontai Williams will return to nickel, with Jackson Findlay rotating back to safety and Josh Hagerty bumping out of the starting lineup. American rookie Tyson Russell has been demoted to the practice roster, while Canadian veteran Patrice Rene has been placed on the one-game injured list with a thigh issue.
Along the defensive line, Levi Bell returns to his starting spot opposite Mathieu Betts after missing the last game with a hip injury. The 26-year-old has been credited with five defensive tackles and one sack through three games. His addition forces Colby Taylor back onto the practice roster.
Canadian linebacker Ben Hladik is also back from an ankle injury, though American rookie Parker McKenna continues to be listed as the starter at weakside linebacker after amassing seven defensive tackles and two forced fumbles in the last matchup with Edmonton. 2026 CFL Draft pick Chase Henning has been returned to the practice roster.
Canadian receiver Kieran Poissant will make his return on offence from a hip injury, but has been listed as a backup. Fellow National pass catchers Hergy Mayala and Nick Cenacle will continue to start after coming into the lineup due to the injuries to Poissant and others.
The B.C. Lions (1-3) will visit the Edmonton Elks (4-1) at Commonwealth Stadium on Friday, July 17, with kickoff scheduled for 9:00 p.m. EDT. The Lions are coming off a bye week, while the Elks dominated the Ottawa Redblacks in a 40-17 win at home.
The weather forecast in Edmonton calls for a high of 29 degrees and sun. The game will be broadcast on TSN and RDS2 in Canada and CFL+ internationally. Radio listeners can tune in on 730 CKNW (English) or Sher-E-Punjab Radio AM 600 (Punjabi) in Vancouver or 880 CHED in Edmonton.
https://3downnation.com/2026/07/16/t-j-lee-highlights-four-impactful-returnees-for-b-c-lions-in-edmonton/
depth charts posted
could be a great game. why isn't it being played tonight??
why stray from:
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
??
The Thursday games are mostly just a thing in WPG. They seem to be bad draws in other cities. So I'm not surprised to see no Thu game when WPG isn't hosting.
I'm not sure which team I want to win this game. I really don't think the Elks are as good as their record but it's good for the CFL for them to get away from being bottom feeders.
IMO the Lions are an arrogant team and that's annoying but I live here so I suppose I cheer for them.
It's a win win of sorts for the Bombers. Either the gap from 1st to 5th is closing or the Lions are sinking fast.
Realistically the Bombers just need to continue winning and let the rest settle itself..
This is must win territory for the Lions. They cannot continue to lose ground to all the other players in the West.
Edmonton is due for a stumble game.
i love seeing BC lose
In a neutral game, I just want to see lots of offence.
In Rourke vs. Fajardo, I cheer for Rourke.
Standings wise, I want the Bombers to finish in first, so hoping for the BC "upset".
Quote from: Jesse on July 17, 2026, 05:31:23 PMIn a neutral game, I just want to see lots of offence.
In Rourke vs. Fajardo, I cheer for Rourke.
Standings wise, I want the Bombers to finish in first, so hoping for the BC "upset".
I want to see how the Bombers fare against the Stamps, Riders and Als, with Dru Brown they may be back in the top 4 teams.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on July 17, 2026, 06:16:30 PMI want to see how the Bombers fare against the Stamps, Riders and Als, with Dru Brown they may be back in the top 4 teams.
We did already beat the Stamps.
Quote from: Jesse on July 17, 2026, 07:13:55 PMWe did already beat the Stamps.
The next home game against the Stamps could turn out to be a big game. Bombers win the season series with a win which could be very important at the end of the season.
Quote from: Jesse on July 17, 2026, 07:13:55 PMWe did already beat the Stamps.
Week #1 win and two of the Stamps best D-linemen were out, they didn't win convincingly it came down to a last play FG.
EDM forecast's are mixed. Some say thunderstorms rolling in halfway through the game. But the radar short-forecast is clear? Maybe it's so hot the storms will just thrust up out of nowhere?
If rain comes we could see 2 effects:
1. Rankin starts running away with it. He's 10X better than Mills.
2. If lightning comes the game could be called before finishing... So getting an early lead is important for whoever wants to win. No postponing stuff for H2... if you win the toss, take the ball and put all your wrinkle/best plays into H1.
I'm still taking BC in this one, but if any game can go either way, it's this one. Was BC's last game a mirage? Rigged so Kelowna could see a win? Or has BC turned the corner?
Also consider, BC off the bye. And BC getting some desired starters off IR, and EDM putting yet more quality guys on IR. EDM D is kind of decimated, and OL too.
rourke takes a hard hit on second down
there it is.
rourke out
he takes the hit - is slow getting up and TSN says nothing. i saw it
is he gone to the locker room ?? on the sidelines?
no info from TSN
I guess it's too late to change to Edm? ;D
almost looked like brice got smacked in the head on the play he threw the pick.
Rourke not returning
incredible catch by hatcher
left shoulder injury for rourke
Oh ****.
cfl losing BLM AND rourke is not great for the league
hopefully not a broken collarbone
Quote from: The Zipp on July 18, 2026, 01:21:36 AMalmost looked like brice got smacked in the head on the play he threw the pick.
Brice looked really good in pre-season but this is asking a lot more.
Luke Wilson on commentary is a breathe of fresh air for TSN and CFL.
Just a more casual calling of the game I think works better.
Long past due for some of the dinosaurs to retire, Suitor,Rod Smith..
I kinda miss Rod Black though ;)
Decent looking crowd for Edmonton, hopefully they win their fanbase back.
I mean, c'mon.
I turn the game on to Bryce throwing an interception? This is not the game I was looking forward to.
That Luther is a freaky good receiver, might be the next Lawler.
Quote from: Tecno on July 17, 2026, 12:36:18 AMThe Thursday games are mostly just a thing in WPG. They seem to be bad draws in other cities. So I'm not surprised to see no Thu game when WPG isn't hosting.
I hate them. Can't work the next day. The actual reason I gave up my seasons. I know they work for the cabin people, but for me, work the next day didn't work. I have a flex pack now.
I'm with those people who don't go. I had a lot of wasted tickets..so I decided not to waste my money anymore. Someone will buy them and have a great time.
ugh. Chase is having a rough night so far
Lions O-line has no idea how to run block, embarrassing.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on July 18, 2026, 02:46:25 AMLions O-line has no idea how to run block, embarrassing.
True, yet somehow BC has 2½ times more rushing yards than Edmonton so far.
Son of a gun, that Nick Cenacle is a 5th round draft choice from this year and he looks like a seasoned pro, why can't the Bombers draft receivers that are ready to go. I ain't old enough to remember the last one that pulled off that trick.
Andre Proulx has to go
Just a sloppy mess
Man this is a brutal backup QB for BC... and that is PI
edmonton has been terrible on offense this half
McInnis is a good #3 receiver but he's not talented enough to be a primary receiver.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on July 18, 2026, 03:58:40 AMMcInnis is a good #3 receiver but he's not talented enough to be a primary receiver.
Wired thing to say when he's not the primary receiver. He's a fantastic option to have though.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on July 18, 2026, 02:03:53 AMThat Luther is a freaky good receiver, might be the next Lawler.
Meh. One game doesn't make a superstar. He hasn't done much in the other games IMHO. Not a good fantasy pick.
But he's still green, so the sky is the limit.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on July 18, 2026, 01:56:03 AMDecent looking crowd for Edmonton, hopefully they win their fanbase back.
Ya, funny, my son says "why is it so empty in EDM?". I took a look... I was like, that's the best EDM crowd in probably 3-4 years!! Good for EDM. I guess that answers the question of whether winning puts butts in seats! At least in EDM...
Quote from: The Zipp on July 18, 2026, 01:38:10 AMcfl losing BLM AND rourke is not great for the league
hopefully not a broken collarbone
How dare Rourke go and break something! Think of all the pickems, and fantasy, and gambling riding on him! 8) 8) 8) :o :o
Why do these dudes always get end-of-seasoned in the 1st, 2nd or early 3rd Q? Why can't they break things with 2:00 left in the game once they are already up 2.5 scores? Argh.
Quote from: VictorRomano on July 18, 2026, 01:34:01 AMRourke not returning
Pretty sure if Alexander could still move his arm even slightly that he would have stayed in... Rourke's a wuss! ;) ;) ;)
Booth/panel talking about why Cody can't get no respect. I'll take a stab at guessing / explaining. I'm qualified, because I can't stand the guy and want to see him lose, and lose badly, constantly.
1. The 2 biggest/best fan bases SSK & WPG both (historically) hate him. Why? Because he got fired (yes, "released") from SSK, so the SSK fans would have to admit they made a horrible mistake if/when Cody does really well. After all, they could have kept Cody as the franchise guy all this time if they had wanted.
2. And (a lot of) WPG fans hate him because he was the evil green QB. He was like a little buzzing hornet that causes you annoyance and bother, something you want to swat away while we're going for our great 2018-2022 runs. And he stole the '23 GC from us on a fluke luck 3rd & 3.
3. He's whiny sounding. He doesn't actually whine, but he sounds like he's whining. Just an awful/annoying voice. Yes, that's not his fault.
4. Obliques: one of the lamest 4 weeks in CFL history, as everyone tracks his dumb obliques going into the playoffs. Turns out he was 100% fine most of the time. Heard about another QB's obliques since then? Ya, didn't think so.
5. He's not too smart. He's like the dim cousin you don't like to be forced to spend time with. Yes, that's not his fault either (probably).
6. Add your own!
Yes, he's not all bad.
a) He consistently outperforms expectations.
b) He's tough. Except for the oblique thing he basically is the Energizer Bunny.
c) He wins more than he should.
d) He goes to bad or middling teams and gets them winning.
e) Apparently he's also the most accurate QB in CFL history... although that's an easy stat when your game is 90% short (see also: T.Harris).
Overall, ya, he's probably the Rodney Dangerfield of the CFL. I still hate him though!!
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on July 18, 2026, 02:46:25 AMLions O-line has no idea how to run block, embarrassing.
Glass houses though!...
Oh ya, but BC OL can't pass-pro either!! Horrible protection for Brice. Doesn't help that Buck is doing the run-most-first-downs pass-most-second-downs thing. Fine when it works, but when they stuff every first down run, what are you doing?!
Even Zach has a hard time when every 2nd down is 2nd & long!! Not setting up your "noob" loser QB for success!
If Rourke is out for 2-3 months, or season-ended, does this massively increase pressure on WFC to trade away either Dru or Zach? Or Elgs? We could possibly snag a bidding war between HAM & BC. Pick up a superstar ELC in trade plus a ton of DP's that overshadow the ones we paid for Dru.
If yet another QB goes down in the next few weeks, and we have 3 season-ended QBs, then the amount teams are willing to pay may become so high we can't possibly resist a massive trade deal.
As Warren Buffet always said: "Buy when there's blood in the streets"... and "buy" here means buy those DPs/ELCs!! And the blood is downed QBs.
EDM was worse this week, as I suspected. If Rourke was in all game BC likely blows them out. I mean, 4-5 INTs?? Ya, EDM would have been more aggressive on O knowing Rourke could score, but still. EDM O was extremely lackluster. As a few teams have proven now, shut down Rankin and they really have nothing.
No way this game should have been anywhere near this close with Rourke out. It should have been like Dolegala vs T.Harris last week -- EDM should have hung 40 on them. But they didn't! Hmmmmm...
Did Rourke going out cause BC to have to take out an IMP on O? Was it J.Jackson? I didn't see him all night -- I know, because I had him in fantasy. :'( :'(
Is that why we saw more of that Poissant kid? By my count they were only starting 7 NAT. Yikes, that meant BC was playing with 4 NAT RECs after Rourke left.
Something to consider when your starting QB is NAT (and obviously you wouldn't carry a NAT backup QB!).
So not only did Brice have to come in with no reps with the #1 unit, but he also had to try to play with 1 less decent IMP REC target, a guy who is probably their #3 target! We may have to cut the guy some slack (Milt didn't!) -- no run game, crap OL in all aspects, and 4 NAT REC. No QB will look good with that.
Quote from: The Zipp on July 18, 2026, 01:16:03 AMthere it is.
rourke out
Unfortunately for the Lions, Nathan might be made out of Zach Collaros neck muscles.
Quote from: Tecno on July 18, 2026, 12:43:26 PMIf Rourke is out for 2-3 months, or season-ended, does this massively increase pressure on WFC to trade away either Dru or Zach? Or Elgs? We could possibly snag a bidding war between HAM & BC. Pick up a superstar ELC in trade plus a ton of DP's that overshadow the ones we paid for Dru.
If yet another QB goes down in the next few weeks, and we have 3 season-ended QBs, then the amount teams are willing to pay may become so high we can't possibly resist a massive trade deal.
As Warren Buffet always said: "Buy when there's blood in the streets"... and "buy" here means buy those DPs/ELCs!! And the blood is downed QBs.
That's a lot of speculation. Rourke probably has a shoulder separation but how serious is a TBD. Even a partial one can put him out for several weeks.
Collaros is out for the 2nd week and has a injury filled history. Suggestions are that he might retire next year. Brown has also had an injury filled career.
I'm not expecting trade inquires at the moment. We traded for Brown in order to have depth and now you are suggesting another trade to dilute that depth?
Go figure.
Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on July 18, 2026, 01:28:45 PMUnfortunately for the Lions, Nathan might be made out of Zach Collaros neck muscles.
Tough blow for the Lions and CFL fans though. He's going to miss some games but how many is TBD. They play Toronto then the Bombers in 2 weeks. I'll be stunned if he's available to play in 2 weeks.
If the backup QB throws 1 less pick, BC eeks out a win.
Best guess is a separated shoulder. At least it's his left arm.
BC has now taken Rankin out twice. Rest of the DC's gonna watch to see how they do it.
Fajardo took a ton of hits. BC's pass rush was getting to him early and often. He still managed to complete 2 bombs though.
BC's is a better team than their record, while Edm's record is better than they actually are.
Quote from: TBURGESS on July 18, 2026, 03:45:13 PMIf the backup QB throws 1 less pick, BC eeks out a win.
Best guess is a separated shoulder. At least it's his left arm.
BC has now taken Rankin out twice. Rest of the DC's gonna watch to see how they do it.
Fajardo took a ton of hits. BC's pass rush was getting to him early and often. He still managed to complete 2 bombs though.
BC's is a better team than their record, while Edm's record is better than they actually are.
The Lions swarmed Rankin, 2 or 3 bodies in his face every time he touched the ball, hope Younger took notes and doesn't try a different method to control him, that one worked.
Quote from: Blue In BC on July 18, 2026, 01:30:57 PMI'm not expecting trade inquires at the moment. We traded for Brown in order to have depth and now you are suggesting another trade to dilute that depth?
Go figure.
Yes, I understand the purpose of Dru, and having both Dru/Zach. My point is "everyone has a price": if HAM comes and says "we renegotiated Kenny & Keondre & Katsantonis & Stubblefield & McManis & Dobson so their 2026 & 2027 salaries are all already paid out as a bonus and their salary is now $0 for the next 2 seasons" and "we'll trade you all that plus '26, '27 and '28 1RDP, as well as '26 & '27 2RDP -- all for either Dru or Zach"... of course you make that trade.
Not saying that's a thing, just saying there's a price we'll let them take Zach and move forward our succession plans. Or Dru and roll the dice with Zach.
You'd think there might be some calls to whoever holds Powell right now. He's the next Big Thing and I've been waiting to see him start as the franchise guy for over 2 seasons now. I understand teams want to have a very good backup, but if that backup is never playing (because your QB is tough or lucky), surely you are taking trade calls to see what you might be able to ream the desperate team for.
Quote from: Tecno on July 19, 2026, 02:20:42 AMYou'd think there might be some calls to whoever holds Powell right now. He's the next Big Thing and I've been waiting to see him start as the franchise guy for over 2 seasons now. I understand teams want to have a very good backup, but if that backup is never playing (because your QB is tough or lucky), surely you are taking trade calls to see what you might be able to ream the desperate team for.
Taylor Powell? He's with the Elks and in good position to inherent the starting job if Fajardo falters, gets injured or retires. Jordan Maksymic the Elks OC would be wise to give him a package and plenty of playing time this season if he wants to keep him happy waiting behind Fajardo.
After fords performance yesterday Hamilton is not looking for another Qb.
No one is giving up a kings ransom for Dru or Zach (both injury prone) or Elgersma (unproven).
And Walters is never trading any of them for less than a ridiculous amount.
Quote from: Tecno on July 19, 2026, 02:15:14 AMYes, I understand the purpose of Dru, and having both Dru/Zach. My point is "everyone has a price": if HAM comes and says "we renegotiated Kenny & Keondre & Katsantonis & Stubblefield & McManis & Dobson so their 2026 & 2027 salaries are all already paid out as a bonus and their salary is now $0 for the next 2 seasons" and "we'll trade you all that plus '26, '27 and '28 1RDP, as well as '26 & '27 2RDP -- all for either Dru or Zach"... of course you make that trade.
Not saying that's a thing, just saying there's a price we'll let them take Zach and move forward our succession plans. Or Dru and roll the dice with Zach.
It's easy to make up ridiculous trade ideas. Step away from the keyboard.
Quote from: Tecno on July 18, 2026, 09:55:45 AMBooth/panel talking about why Cody can't get no respect. I'll take a stab at guessing / explaining. I'm qualified, because I can't stand the guy and want to see him lose, and lose badly, constantly.
1. The 2 biggest/best fan bases SSK & WPG both (historically) hate him. Why? Because he got fired (yes, "released") from SSK, so the SSK fans would have to admit they made a horrible mistake if/when Cody does really well. After all, they could have kept Cody as the franchise guy all this time if they had wanted.
2. And (a lot of) WPG fans hate him because he was the evil green QB. He was like a little buzzing hornet that causes you annoyance and bother, something you want to swat away while we're going for our great 2018-2022 runs. And he stole the '23 GC from us on a fluke luck 3rd & 3.
3. He's whiny sounding. He doesn't actually whine, but he sounds like he's whining. Just an awful/annoying voice. Yes, that's not his fault.
4. Obliques: one of the lamest 4 weeks in CFL history, as everyone tracks his dumb obliques going into the playoffs. Turns out he was 100% fine most of the time. Heard about another QB's obliques since then? Ya, didn't think so.
5. He's not too smart. He's like the dim cousin you don't like to be forced to spend time with. Yes, that's not his fault either (probably).
6. Add your own!
Yes, he's not all bad.
a) He consistently outperforms expectations.
b) He's tough. Except for the oblique thing he basically is the Energizer Bunny.
c) He wins more than he should.
d) He goes to bad or middling teams and gets them winning.
e) Apparently he's also the most accurate QB in CFL history... although that's an easy stat when your game is 90% short (see also: T.Harris).
Overall, ya, he's probably the Rodney Dangerfield of the CFL. I still hate him though!!
I have nothing against Fajardo, he's done well over his career. I lobbied for the Bombers to go after him after the Als let him walk, he was cheap, reasonably young and still very productive, even then you could see Zach begin to falter. He hinted at retirement after last season but I think when he realizes he can earn $500k plus for a few more years he'll play as long as teams still want to pay him. MBT made the mistake of retiring too soon and coming back and he's never gotten back to the point he left on.
QB development is the achilles heel of the CFL. Ever since the NFL started paying players more (back in the 60's), we've always got the dregs / rejects, and those only until they proved themselves and were stolen.
I wouldn't be surprised if a couple CFL QB's take a shot at the NFL again this off season.
Quote from: theaardvark on July 19, 2026, 08:20:20 PMQB development is the achilles heel of the CFL. Ever since the NFL started paying players more (back in the 60's), we've always got the dregs / rejects, and those only until they proved themselves and were stolen.
I wouldn't be surprised if a couple CFL QB's take a shot at the NFL again this off season.
not just the pay - previous to the success of non prototypical qb's like russell wilson he would have been destined for cfl and been incredible here.
nfl will now consider guys shorter than 6'2" now - cfl is missing out on those guys.
being able to play qb at the pro level successfully is really really hard.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on July 19, 2026, 05:46:47 PMTaylor Powell? He's with the Elks and in good position to inherent the starting job if Fajardo falters, gets injured or retires.
Powell seems to have the worst luck in that he picks teams that have qbs that rarely get hurt. He'll never see the field behind Cody.
He's wasting away in his prime years when he should have moved on to starter. Dru moved on way faster, and I don't think dru is any better. It's just that dru was lucky enough to dress behind Zach, who is always getting nicked.
Quote from: Tecno on July 19, 2026, 10:37:11 PMPowell seems to have the worst luck in that he picks teams that have qbs that rarely get hurt. He'll never see the field behind Cody.
He's wasting away in his prime years when he should have moved on to starter. Dru moved on way faster, and I don't think dru is any better. It's just that dru was lucky enough to dress behind Zach, who is always getting nicked.
I am thinking Hamilton will make a serious run at signing Powell in the off season if he's a FA. He started there, knows the team and fan base. Ottawa should also pursue him heavily, and may he go to the highest bidder
Quote from: dd on July 19, 2026, 10:50:57 PMI am thinking Hamilton will make a serious run at signing Powell in the off season if he's a FA. He started there, knows the team and fan base. Ottawa should also pursue him heavily, and may he go to the highest bidder
Powell signed a 2 year deal with the Elks this past off-season.
glen suitor??
i miss rod black
big gamble
i dunno.
punt it away
just giving ottawa hope
tony is the captain of this defence
big sack !!!!!!!
Quote from: The Zipp on July 19, 2026, 11:11:48 PMbig gamble
i dunno.
punt it away
gave them 3 with that poor gamble execution
tv first down lines are wrong !!
oline porous
moxey playing waaaaay off
fletcher having a game so far
i am in the wrong thread - sorry folks
Quote from: The Zipp on July 19, 2026, 11:28:11 PMi am in the wrong thread - sorry folks
Awesome. Classic. At least you weren't watching the BC@EDM game on PVR today posting as though you thought it was live!