CFL Edmonton Elks

Esks Wrap up Road Trip in Montreal on Thursday

Published on August 10, 2011 under Canadian Football League (CFL)
Edmonton Elks News Release


The CFL West Division leading Eskimos (5-1), coming off their first loss of the season last Friday in Winnipeg, close out a two-game, nine-day Eastern road trip Thursday night in Montreal against the defending Grey Cup champion Alouettes (4-2) .

Edmonton will be missing one of their key offensive weapons as Fred Stamps, the CFL's leading receiver, is gone for 4 - 6 weeks with a lower abdominal injury. The All-Star wideout was injured on the first play in the 28-16 loss to the Bombers, but soldiered on for the rest of the night. He underwent emergency surgery in Winnipeg just hours after the game and is now back in Edmonton.

In an effort to kickstart the kick return game, the Esks have signed free agent returner Jason Armstead and inserted him into the lineup for Thursday's game. Now in his 8th CFL season, the well-traveled Armstead played three games for Edmonton last year.

The good news is veteran receiver Andrew Nowacki and linebacker Rod Davis are healthy again and will suit up against the Als.

Protection for Ricky Ray was a pressing issue last week and the Edmonton O-line has been shuffled as a result. Rookie Junius Coston draws back in at left guard, Patrick Kabongo shifts to the right guard spot while Greg Wojt will start at right tackle. After throwing just one INT in the first five games, Ray tossed a pair of picks to the Bombers.

The two M's - Jerome Messam and Calvin McCarty - are expected to carry the load on the ground. Messam was named the Gibson's Finest CFL Top Canadian for his play against Winnipeg.

Kicker Damon Duval makes his first appearance against the team that he helped win back-to-back Grey Cups in 2009 and 2010. Signed by Edmonton in June, Duval is second in CFL scoring and is tied for the league lead in punting average.

Stamps-less or not, a win in Montreal has never been easy for the Esks. Since the Larks returned to the league in 1986, Edmonton has just 4 wins against 11 losses at Molson Stadium, including their last three regular season games.

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Canadian Football League Stories from August 10, 2011


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