The Ottawa Redblacks faced another disappointing defeat, losing 30-20 to the Edmonton Elks at TD Place. The game was overshadowed by a serious injury to defensive lineman Daniel Okpoko, who was taken off the field in an ambulance after suffering an injury while making a tackle. The Redblacks now hold a 3-8 record, trailing the second-place Montreal Alouettes by two wins, while Edmonton improved to 4-6 with its third consecutive victory.

Okpoko's injury occurred with 2:40 left in the game. He lay on the field for about 10 minutes before being transported to the hospital. The Redblacks later reported that the 25-year-old was responsive and had movement in all extremities.

The Redblacks struggled from the start, continuing a troubling trend of slow beginnings. They were outscored 3-0 in the first quarter and managed only 38 yards passing and two yards rushing during that period. A holding penalty negated a 68-yard single by punter Richie Leone, marking a frustrating start for Ottawa, which has scored just one point in its last five first quarters.

Edmonton quickly built a 17-0 lead, with quarterback Cody Fajardo scoring on a one-yard run and Javon Leake returning a punt 80 yards for a touchdown. The Redblacks' defense had a chance to stop the Elks but allowed Fajardo to gain 30 yards on a crucial second-and-11 play.

Despite the early struggles, the Redblacks managed to respond. Linebacker Ayinde Eley intercepted a Fajardo pass, giving Ottawa a chance to score. Quarterback Dustin Crum, making his third start of the season, completed 23 of 29 passes for 277 yards and a touchdown. He also led the team in rushing with 59 yards and a touchdown.

After trailing 20-7 at halftime, the Redblacks rallied with a touchdown catch by Andre Miller and a field goal by Lewis Ward. Justin Rankin added a six-yard touchdown run, narrowing the gap to 10 points. However, the Redblacks could not capitalize on a strong defensive stand that put them in a favorable position on the Edmonton 18-yard line. Instead, they settled for a 26-yard field goal with 2:51 left in the game.

Head coach Bob Dyce had emphasized the need for urgency, but the team’s slow start proved costly once again. The Redblacks have now lost two consecutive games to the Elks this season.