Edmonton Elks' Kaion Julien-Grant (11) scores during second half CFL action against the Montreal Alouettes in Montreal on Friday, Aug. 8, 2025.
Justin Rankin powered the Edmonton Elks to a hard-fought 28-20 victory over the Toronto Argonauts at Commonwealth Stadium on Friday night. The versatile running back delivered 179 total yards and a touchdown, proving unstoppable in both the rushing and passing game.
Rankin’s Redemption Performance
Rankin bounced back strongly after a disappointing Week 10. He rushed for 92 yards on 13 carries, adding a touchdown. Through the air, he caught five passes for 87 yards, consistently keeping the Argos’ defence on edge.
His explosive runs and big plays helped Edmonton improve to a 3-6 record, keeping their playoff hopes alive.
Fajardo’s Steady Leadership
Quarterback Cody Fajardo was efficient once again. He completed 25 of 31 passes for 273 yards, one touchdown, and an interception. His connection with Steven Dunbar Jr. proved vital, with Dunbar recording seven receptions, 64 yards, and a touchdown.
Arbuckle’s Big Numbers Not Enough
For Toronto, Nick Arbuckle put up impressive numbers. He threw for a career-high 382 yards, completing 30 of 42 passes, with one touchdown. Despite recording his fourth straight 300-yard game, Arbuckle suffered his first career loss against Edmonton.
Dejon Brissett and David Ungerer III each posted 96 receiving yards, while Damonte Coxie added 60 before leaving with a late injury.
Early Momentum Swings
Toronto struck first with a quick drive as Arbuckle connected with Ungerer for 56 yards. A short field goal from Lirim Hajrullahu made it 3-0. Edmonton responded with a Rankin-led drive, ending in Vincent Blanchard’s 30-yard field goal to tie the game.
Both teams traded field goals before Rankin broke through late in the first half. His five-yard touchdown run gave the Elks a 13-9 lead. The Argos added a single point before halftime to make it 13-10.
Argos Start Strong After the Break
Toronto’s defence set the tone early in the second half with hard hits and a quick stop. Arbuckle then led a strong drive, capped by a touchdown pass to Jake Herslow. The Argos went up 17-13.
Edmonton answered with Blanchard’s 51-yard field goal, trimming the deficit to one.
Game-Changing Turnover
The turning point came when Edmonton’s defence forced a fumble deep in their own territory. Brandon Barlow’s strip sack on Arbuckle swung momentum back to the Elks.
Rankin again led the charge, breaking tackles and setting up Fajardo’s play-action touchdown pass to Dunbar Jr. Edmonton stretched the lead to 24-17.
Toronto clawed back with another field goal, but Edmonton stayed ahead 24-20.
Late Insurance and Sealed Victory
The Elks pushed for insurance points in the fourth quarter. Blanchard missed a 43-yard kick but added a single. Another field goal later extended the lead to 28-20.
Toronto had one last chance, but penalties and an overturned pass interference call ended their hopes. Arbuckle’s final attempts fell short, sealing the Elks’ victory.
What’s Next
The Edmonton Elks now prepare for a road game against the Ottawa REDBLACKS on August 22. The Toronto Argonauts will return home to face the BC Lions on August 23.
