The Week 1 contest between the Saskatchewan Roughriders and the Edmonton Elks has multiple captivating storylines.
It’s the first game between a pair of Canadian Football League (CFL) Western Divisional opponents who missed the 2022 postseason.
Trevor Harris will make his “official” debut for the green and white after making a cameo in Friday’s preseason finale in Winnipeg,
The Roughriders will try and erase the memory of a disappointing season in 2022 with a fast start inside the old track at Commonwealth Stadium.
Former Saskatchewan head coach Chris Jones will face his old team, the Roughriders once again.
The Elks are trying to snap a winless 17-game losing streak at home.
Edmonton is offering a promotion where a certain section of fans can receive a redeemable ticket if the Elks fail to beat the Roughriders. It’s a guaranteed-win offer.
Safety Jayden Dalke returns home for a big game, more on that later today.
But another interesting storyline for Sunday’s season opener, is receiver Derel Walker making his Roughrider debut against his former team in Edmonton.
At training camp, Walker established himself as one of the standout players at Griffiths Stadium on a daily basis, hauling in receptions headed his way from all directions.
The receiver felt he got off to a good start in Saskatoon.
“Probably one of my better camps in my entire career honestly because things went fluidly.”
Last season despite an unsettled quarterback situation in Edmonton, Walker collected 65 receptions for 874 receiving yards and a touchdown with the Elks.
After joining the Roughriders as a free agent in March, the former Texas A&M Aggie entered training camp with a chip on his shoulder.
“Just got a little nasty taste in my mouth, so we ready to get after it every week.”
One of the reasons the 31-year-old had a smooth camp was his instant chemistry with quarterback Trevor Harris. Walker is excited about the former Elk teammates reuniting in Saskatchewan and expanding the bond between the two.
“Just looking forward to building more, creating more chemistry on what we are doing already.”
Harris thinks the experienced receiver is ready for another outstanding season.
“Derel looks like the Derel everybody remembers early in his career, can’t wait to see him unleashed this season.”
Besides one season in Toronto, Walker spent the remaining six years (2015-2018, 2021-22) of his career as a member of the Edmonton franchise, surpassing the 1,000-receiving-yard mark on three occasions. There is plenty of excitement for Walker making his Roughriders debut against the Elks.
“To have a former team I played against in Week 1 in means a lot, means a lot considering how last season went. ”
Walker is anticipating stepping off on the right foot with the Roughriders.
“I’m looking forward to do what I do.”
620 CKRM will have coverage of Sunday’s season opener beginning with Countdown to Kickoff at 2:00. Michael Ball and Luc Mullinder will be in Edmonton with the opening kickoff at 5:00.
