Roughriders prepare for Elks game after emotional week, honouring crash victim

By Chloe Tremblay · Sports Reporter · 23.07.2026

By Chloe Tremblay — 23 July 2026 — 3 min read

Team prepares for Elks matchup

The Saskatchewan Roughriders are focusing on their upcoming CFL game against the Edmonton Elks following a week marked by the death of teammate Jayden Dalke. The team returned to practice after a bye week, preparing for the game while processing recent events.

Dalke was driving a silver SUV that collided with a black SUV driven by Bhishma Rajyaguru on Saturday evening near Lumsden, approximately 30 kilometres north of Regina. RCMP indicated that Dalke’s vehicle was travelling northbound in the southbound lane of a divided highway. Alcohol and cannabis were found in Dalke’s vehicle, and autopsies and toxicology tests are underway.

The Roughriders were informed of Dalke’s death on Sunday, which led to the cancellation of practice. However, the team resumed training on Monday to prepare for the game against the Elks, a contest that holds significance for first place in the West Division.

Players reflect and honour

Roughriders quarterback Trevor Harris described the past few days as a “heavy week” but emphasized the team’s commitment to their responsibilities. He noted a strong team spirit despite the difficult circumstances, reflecting what he believes Dalke would have wanted them to do.

Linebacker Jameer Thurman, who sat next to Dalke in meetings for two years, spoke about honouring his teammate. Thurman highlighted the importance of supporting each other and performing on the field, stating that the team is playing not only for Dalke but also for each other and their families.

The Roughriders announced plans to honour Rajyaguru in a pre-game ceremony at Mosaic Stadium. The club described Rajyaguru as a gifted percussionist with a deep love for music, whose passion left a lasting impression. The team is also collaborating with Rajyaguru’s family to offer support. Additionally, Roughriders general manager Jeremy O’Day confirmed that a tribute for Dalke is planned before Thursday’s game.

Elks’ strong start to the season

The Elks enter the game with a two-point advantage over the Roughriders, holding a 5-1 record compared to Saskatchewan’s 4-1. Edmonton’s strong start is attributed to a balanced offence and a revitalized defence. The Elks defence leads the league in points allowed per game and turnover ratio.

The Elks’ secondary has shown strong performance recently, securing 10 interceptions in their last three games. This includes four picks in a victory over the Ottawa Redblacks on July 9 and another four in a win against the B.C. Lions on July 17. Defensive back Kenneth Logan Jr. noted the success is a group effort, stemming from focus on details and trust among players.

Rolan Milligan Jr., who was recognized as the CFL’s outstanding defensive player in 2024, is set to return to the Saskatchewan lineup after sustaining a shoulder injury in the season opener against B.C. The Elks’ 5-1 start marks their best since 2017, when they began the campaign with a 7-0 record.

Harris surpassed Edmonton quarterback Cody Fajardo last week, moving to sixth on Saskatchewan’s all-time passing yards list. Harris has accumulated 10,716 yards with the Roughriders, while Fajardo had 10,632 yards during his three seasons with Saskatchewan from 2019 to 2022. Saskatchewan receivers KeeSean Johnson, Kian Schaffer-Baker, and Samuel Emilus have collectively contributed 1,314 of the team’s 1,629 passing yards this season.

Source: theglobeandmail.com

Chloe Tremblay

Sports Reporter

Chloe Tremblay is the Sports Reporter at CasinoNews, covering basketball, tennis and athletics with nine years of reporting experience. She reported on the Raptors' rise and two Olympic cycles. She holds a degree in Journalism from Concordia University. Based in Montreal, she plays recreational basketball and follows track athletics. “The best stories come from the athletes everyone overlooks.”