Regina Rams
EDMONTON — The Edmonton Eskimos have added another big name to their league-best defence.
The team has signed Canadian defensive lineman Stefan Charles to their practice roster.
Charles was selected by the Eskimos with the 10th overall pick in the 2013 CFL Draft. The Oshawa, Ont., native opted to try his luck with the NFL Draft the same year, but after going undrafted, he’d sign a free-agent deal with the Tennessee Titans.
He’d make his biggest mark with the Buffalo Bills, amassing 48 tackles, five sacks, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery over 37 games with the team. Charles also had stints with the Detroit Lions, Jacksonville Jaguars, Kansas City Chiefs and Atlanta Falcons.
The 31-year-old opted to make a move to the AAF to join the San Antonio Commanders but after the league ceased operations, he signed a deal with the Falcons at the end of their training camp. Atlanta cut him on Aug. 31.
As the Esks still held his rights, which opened the door for him to play in his first CFL campaign.
Charles joins an already stacked Esks defensive line that features the likes of Almondo Sewell, Mike Moore and Kwaku Boateng. The team also signed Mathieu Betts — its top selection in the 2019 CFL Draft — to a contract on Sept. 9.
The Eskimos’ defence has allowed the fewest rushing scores (5) on the season, and they’re top five in rushing yards allowed (101.2) per game.
Edmonton also added defensive lineman Jeremiah Clarke, offensive lineman Tristan Nichelson and defensive back Robert Priester to the practice squad.
The Esks will return to action in Week 15 when they welcome the Hamilton Tiger-Cats to Commonwealth Stadium. Kick-off is set for 9:30 p.m. ET on Friday.
