As the Edmonton Elks prepare to take on the Toronto Argonauts this Saturday, running back Justin Rankin finds himself at a crossroads. Despite a promising start to the season, Rankin’s recent performances have raised questions about his ability to maintain momentum, especially in light of the team’s fluctuating offensive output.
Struggles in the Rushing Game
Initially, Rankin was a dominant force on the field, registering over 100 rushing yards in four of the Elks’ first five games. His standout performance included a remarkable 14 carries for 107 yards and two touchdowns in a decisive 40-17 victory over the Ottawa Redblacks on July 9. However, a disappointing outing against the B.C. Lions on July 4, where he managed only 19 yards on seven carries, marked the beginning of a worrying trend.
Since that win against Ottawa, Rankin has seen his opportunities dwindle. He has only reached the 10-carry mark once, during Edmonton’s narrow 36-34 victory over Saskatchewan on July 23, where he tallied just 39 yards on 12 attempts. In the subsequent four games, he has been limited to seven or eight carries, culminating in a mere 62 yards from seven attempts during last week’s 48-30 defeat to the Montreal Alouettes.
The Impact on Edmonton’s Offence
While Rankin’s individual statistics remain respectable—651 rushing yards on 101 carries for an impressive average of 6.4 yards per rush—his inability to find consistency is concerning. With seven touchdowns to his name and 37 receptions for 418 yards, he remains an essential part of the Elks’ offence. However, the team’s overall performance has been shaky, allowing an alarming 36.7 points per game over the last three outings.
As the Elks prepare for their clash with the Argonauts, the pressure will be on Rankin to rediscover his early-season form. Edmonton boasts a solid home record of 3-1 this season, but they recently fell to Saskatchewan at Commonwealth Stadium, where they experienced a season-high crowd of 31,757.
Argonauts’ Recent Form
The Toronto Argonauts, meanwhile, enter this matchup buoyed by a narrow 33-30 victory over the Calgary Stampeders. Despite starter Chad Kelly’s struggles—throwing four interceptions—he managed to orchestrate a late-game drive that set up the winning field goal. Kelly finished the game with 349 passing yards and one touchdown in his first home start since October 2024, reflecting a resilient Argonauts outfit that will seek to extend their winning streak against Edmonton.
The Argos’ defence is also beginning to find its stride, having made crucial stops in high-pressure situations. Tyrell Ford of Edmonton will be looking to capitalise on his tie for the league lead in interceptions, which could prove pivotal in this upcoming contest.
Key Matchups Ahead
As both teams prepare for what promises to be an exhilarating showdown, the focus will be on how well Edmonton can balance their offensive strategy. The Elks must find a way to incorporate Rankin effectively into their game plan while also utilising their passing game, which has seen receiver Austin Mack average 5.7 catches and 120 yards over the last three games.
Looking ahead, the Elks will need to tighten their defence, which has been porous in recent outings, to avoid another high-scoring affair against the Argonauts.
Why it Matters
The outcome of this matchup is crucial not only for the standings in the Canadian Football League but also for the Elks’ momentum as they head into the latter part of the season. For Rankin, a return to form could reinvigorate both his confidence and that of the team, while for the Argonauts, maintaining their recent momentum could be vital for playoff positioning. With both teams vying for supremacy, this game is set to be a thrilling encounter that could have lasting implications in the CFL landscape.
