Cody Fajardo and the Edmonton Elks have a tough act to follow Saturday night. Fajardo threw for a career-best 510 yards and four TDs in leading Edmonton (6-1) to a thrilling 36-34 road win over the Saskatchewan Roughriders (4-2) last week. The two teams go back at it again at Commonwealth Stadium. Fajardo became the first CFL quarterback to throw for 500 yards in a game since 2017. The Elks also accumulated 526 net offensive yards against the defending Grey Cup champions yet still needed Vincent Blanchard’s 57-yard field goal on the game’s final play to capture a third straight victory. Receiver Austin Mack also had a stellar outing. He recorded four catches for 173 yards with two touchdowns — 57-yard and 81-yard receptions in the second half — while teammate T.J. Luther registered 10 receptions for 157 yards. Saskatchewan’s defence did a nice job against Justin Rankin, holding Edmonton’s explosive running back to 39 yards rushing on 12 carries (3.3-yard average). It also had three sacks. Riders starter Trevor Harris was 26-of-36 passing for 386 yards with four touchdowns and an interception. Kian Schaeffer had eight catches for a game-high 186 yards and a touchdown as Saskatchewan’s offence converted 13-of-23 second-down opportunities. But the Riders might be without A.J. Ouellette, who ran for 52 yards on 12 carries before leaving with a knee injury. Saskatchewan’s defence entered last week’s game as one of the CFL’s best. It was ranked first in fewest offensive yards (354.2 yards per game), passing yards (266.6), offensive TDs (11) and touchdown passes allowed (four) and had surrendered a league-low three completions of 30-plus yards. After last week’s contest, Saskatchewan dropped to sixth in net offensive yards allowed (382.8), fifth against the pass (307.2 yards) and second in 30-yard completions (seven). But it remains first in fewest passing TDs (eight) and offensive touchdowns (15) surrendered. Saskatchewan head coach Corey Mace is also its defensive co-ordinator. There’s little doubt the necessary adjustments will be made in time for Saturday’s contest. Edmonton is 3-0 at home while Saskatchewan is 2-0 on the road. The game is important because a win would allow the Elks to clinch the season series and the tiebreaker should the teams finish the year tied. Edmonton last started 4-0 at home in 2019, and last won a season series with Saskatchewan in 2016. This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 29, 2026. Dan Ralph, The Canadian Press
