After seven lengthy months away from the sphere, the Edmonton Elks returned to Commonwealth Stadium on Sunday for the opening day of their primary coaching camp.
The Moose had been a dismal 4-14 in 2022, however not like a 12 months in the past when the crew felt extra cohesive, they’re bringing again loads of acquainted faces to the tune of final season’s 16 returning gamers, together with beginning quarterback Taylor Cornelius.
The 27-year-old is in his third coaching camp however for the primary time beneath the identical teaching employees as final 12 months and is aware of for the primary time that he’s a beginning quarterback.
“It is only a degree of consolation, having the ability to are available in and study the foundations,” mentioned Cornelius (2,768 passing yards, 11 touchdowns and 9 interceptions in twenty second).
“I have been on this system for a 12 months now and in addition the thrill of a few of the guys we introduced in to grow to be free brokers and I came upon what expertise we had final 12 months in the direction of the tip of the season.
“We’re simply excited and able to go.”
Edmonton Elks quarterback Taylor Cornelius is in his third 12 months with the Elks, however this time as a starter.
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The brand new gamers are led by huge receiver and 2023 East Division MOST excellent participant Eugene Lewis.
Receiver and returner Kayran Moore, 1000 yard receiver Stephen Dunbar Jr., defenseman Lusheiz Purifoy, and defenseman AC Leonard. Notable returnees embody 2022 Elks most outstanding defenseman Jake Seresna, supervisor Kevin Brown and huge receiver Dillion Mitchell.
Guard Aaron Grimes is in his eighth season in inexperienced and gold. He’s recovering from a severe knee damage he suffered in final season’s pre-season recreation on June 3 that compelled him to overlook all the season.
Grimes is the 2015 Grey Cup champion with Edmonton and understands the significance of attending to know one another.
“It doesn’t really feel like a single entity, all the things will likely be deliberate and ready,” Grimes mentioned. “It is simply good to step again, man, I can not lie.” I am 10 years outdated and nonetheless adore it, aside from my legs, they don’t seem to be that proud of me.”
Defenseman Aaron Grimes makes his first discipline look for the Elks after struggling a severe knee damage within the 2022 preseason.
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Moose promoting native merchandise
Because the gamers hit the pitch on Sunday morning, the Elks traded the acquisition of Canadian offensive lineman and 2022 Grey Cup champion Teren Churchill from the Toronto Argonauts for a conditional 2024 sixth-round decide.
Stettler’s Churchill was chosen within the first spherical of the 2020 Argos draft.
He performed 26 video games within the final two seasons for Argos.
Churchill performed for the Edmonton Huskies and head coach and basic supervisor Chris Jones says the 28-year-old will present a few of the depth the Canadians want within the offensive line.
“We’re attempting to solidify our offensive line and we’ve a man who was effectively thought out sufficient to get by within the first spherical,” Jones mentioned.
“He is aware of a few of our teaching employees and what I like is that he is native.”
Edmonton Elks head coach and basic supervisor Chris Jones on the primary day of camp and a busy day on the transaction wire
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Churchill performed 4 seasons with the Edmonton Huskies and earned an all-star choice in 2016.
The 2024 decide will grow to be a fifth spherical decide if Churchill seems on Elks’ 45-man roster in a minimum of 9 video games this season.
Moose disqualified two, together with Francis
The Elks positioned two veteran gamers on their suspension listing: American offensive lineman Marthez Ivey and Canadian midfielder Kevin Francis.
Chris Jones mentioned that Ivy is fixing a passport drawback that won’t be resolved for a minimum of a few weeks.
Francis signed with the Elks again in February. 14, however tweeted his dissatisfaction with the Elks over a contract element reportedly concerning Francis not receiving a signing bonus.
Jones says he needs Francis to be on the camp, however would not anticipate him both.
“Sadly he was upset and we simply have to maneuver and fear concerning the guys which can be right here.”
The Elks performed their first preseason recreation on Might 22 in Calgary in opposition to the Stampeders.
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