The Edmonton Elks opened their 2026 CFL season with a 29-21 victory over the Ottawa Redblacks on Saturday night at TD Place Stadium. Quarterback Cody Fajardo orchestrated a balanced attack, throwing for two touchdowns and rushing for another to secure the win.
First Half Action
The Elks struck first with a 12-play, 75-yard drive capped by a Fajardo touchdown pass to wide receiver Steven Dunbar. Ottawa responded with a field goal, but Edmonton extended its lead with a rushing touchdown from running back Justin Rankin. The Redblacks managed a late first-half touchdown to cut the deficit to 14-10 at halftime.
Second Half Dominance
Edmonton pulled away in the third quarter as Fajardo connected with receiver Kobe Williams for a 45-yard touchdown. A field goal by kicker Sean Whyte made it 24-10. Ottawa fought back with a touchdown pass from quarterback Dustin Crum to receiver Jaelon Acklin, but the Elks sealed the game with another Whyte field goal and a late interception by defensive back Aaron Grymes.
Key Performances: Fajardo completed 22 of 30 passes for 278 yards and added 45 rushing yards. Rankin rushed for 89 yards and a touchdown. For Ottawa, Crum threw for 251 yards and two touchdowns but was intercepted twice.
The win gives Edmonton a 1-0 start under new head coach Chris Jones, while the Redblacks fall to 0-1. The Elks will host the Calgary Stampeders next week, while Ottawa travels to face the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.
