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EDMONTON — The Edmonton Elks will be making a quarterback change in Week 9.
Elks interim head coach Jarious Jackson confirmed on to Dave Campbell on 630 CHED’s Inside Sports on Tuesday evening that Ford will lead the team into its battle with the Saskatchewan Roughriders on Saturday at Mosaic Stadium.
TSN’s Farhan Lalji broke news of the pending QB change on Monday.
Ford replaced McLeod Bethel-Thompson in last week’s loss to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in the fourth quarter. In one frame of work, the 26-year-old threw three touchdowns, completing 10 of 15 passes for 121 yards and added 19 yards on three carries on the ground.
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#Elks interim HC Jarious Jackson just told @Dave_CHED on @630CHED Inside Sports that when the teams returns to practice tomorrow Tre Ford will be getting first team reps and will start Saturday in Saskatchewan
— Morley Scott (@Morley_Scott) July 31, 2024
“It was just a lot of excitement to be able to play football again,” Ford told GoElks.com after his strong showing in the loss to the Ticats. “The situation we went in again wasn’t ideal, but it was kind of a chance to go show what I can do. I had nothing to lose, so I think that was part of the factor of why I had so much fun. I was really out there just playing football and just having a blast.”
Fans at Commonwealth Stadium have chanted Ford’s name throughout this season, yearning to see the 26-year-old back on the field. In addition to Ford’s entertaining game, CFL fans have long had a soft spot for Canadian quarterbacks. There is a buzz around the Niagara Falls, Ont. product and University of Waterloo alum.
Last year, Ford threw for 2,069 yards, 12 touchdowns and six interceptions, completing 153 of his 227 attempts. Known for his prowess on the ground, the pivot also rushed 66 times for 622 yards and three majors.
“It’s definitely nice to have that support. I feel like part of it is because I’m Canadian too, right?” Ford said. “It probably helps a little bit, but I appreciate the support from all around and I just want to go prove them right.”
Bethel-Thompson has thrown 1,788 yards (171 of 248), nine touchdowns and seven interceptions over his seven starts this year.
Ford and the Elks (0-7) head to Saskatchewan on Saturday to take on the Riders as they search for their first win on the season. Kickoff at Mosaic Stadium is at 7:00 p.m. ET.
