The Edmonton Elks secured a 29-21 victory over the Ottawa RedBlacks in their 2026 CFL season opener at TD Place. Key contributions included touchdowns by wide receiver Austin Mack and running back Justin Rankin, while kicker Vincent Blanchard successfully converted all five field-goal attempts. Quarterback Cody Fajardo had a strong performance, completing 23 of 34 passes for 266 yards and one touchdown. Edmonton's defense excelled, forcing four turnovers and controlling time of possession for over 35 minutes, marking their first season-opening win since 2019.

By the Numbers
  • Cody Fajardo completed 23 of 34 passes for 266 yards with 1 TD.
  • Justin Rankin rushed for 102 yards on 13 carries and caught 5 passes for 94 yards.
  • Edmonton outgained Ottawa in total offense 342 to 297.
  • Elks controlled possession for 35:20 of the game.
Yes, But

Despite the win, Edmonton's performance saw a mixed bag, with the RedBlacks closing the gap late in the game, raising concerns about the Elks' defensive stability in critical moments.

State of Play
  • The Elks held a significant lead but allowed Ottawa to score late, demonstrating weaknesses in defensive consistency.
  • The team enjoyed a productive offensive day, but the fourth quarter showed vulnerabilities against a determined RedBlacks squad.
What's Next

Following their victory, the Elks will have a bye in Week 2, preparing to host the Montreal Alouettes on June 20. Fans are encouraged to buy tickets for the home-opener.

Bottom Line

While the Elks celebrated a welcome season-opening win, the game also highlighted areas needing improvement, particularly on defense, as they look to build momentum heading into their next matchup.