Edmonton Elks ink top running back Justin Rankin to contract extension

Tre Ford threw for 208 yards, a touchdown and two interceptions as the Elks beat the Stampeders Saturday to sweep the season series. Eugene Lewis recorded two touchdowns, one rushing and one receiving, and Justin Rankin rushed for 140 yards on 10 carries in the win.

The Edmonton Elks have signed running back Justin Rankin to a contract extension until the 2027 season.

“I’m excited to be staying in Edmonton for the next two seasons,” Rankin said in a statement. “I feel the city and the fans have embraced me and I love the direction this team is going.”

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The 28-year-old is one of the top offensive players in Canadian football, currently leading the CFL in big plays– rushes of 20+ yards and receptions of 30+ yards–with 15 this season. He ranks second behind Hamilton’s Kenny Lawler in offensive touchdowns with 12, including eight rushing and four receiving.

Rankin sits fourth in the CFL in yards from scrimmage with 1,471 after 15 weeks of play this season.

“This signing builds on the momentum we’ve established this season, and we’re excited to see how he’ll contribute to our team’s success moving forward,” the team’s vice president of football operations and general manager, Ed Hervey, said in a statement on Tuesday.

The Green and Gold rusher entered the CFL midway through the 2024 season.

Prior to joining the Elks, Rankin played in the Indoor Football League from 2021 to 2023—finishing second in the league in rushing yards and touchdowns with the Bay Area Panthers in his last year.

The Edmonton Elks have 6 wins and 9 losses so far this season, ranking last in the West Division.