The Edmonton Elks released running back Justin Rankin and placed offensive lineman Patrick Lavoie on the suspended list on Sunday.
Justin Rankin is five foot ten and weighs 215 pounds. The 26-year-old from Oberlin, Ohio, signed with the Edmonton Elks on November 23, 2023. In 2023, Rankin helped the Bay Area Panthers (IFL) win their first IFL Championship with 200 carries for 872 yards, 44 touchdowns, 25 catches for 253 yards, three touchdowns, and kick returns for 20 yards in 16 games.
Before Bay Area, Rankin played for the Frisco Fighters (IFL) in 2022 with 153 carries for 740 yards, 27 touchdowns, 21 catches for 221 yards, four touchdowns, and five kick returns for 80 yards in 16 games. In 2021, Rankin played for the Bismarck Bucks (IFL) with 117 carries for 454 yards, 15 touchdowns, 43 catches for 306 yards, and eight touchdowns in 15 games.
Collegiately, Rankin played three seasons at Kent State (2016-18) with 348 carries for 1,575 yards, 10 touchdowns, 84 catches for 773 yards, four touchdowns, and 19 kick returns for 381 yards in 35 games for the Golden Flashes.
Then, Rankin transferred to Northwest Missouri State in 2019 with 191 carries for 1,050 yards, 13 touchdowns, 34 catches for 371 yards, four touchdowns, and one kick return for 12 yards in 14 games for the Bearcats.
Patrick Lavoie is six foot four and weighs 294 pounds. The 24-year-old from Gatineau, Quebec, was drafted in the seventh round (63rd pick) of the 2024 CFL Draft. Collegiately, Lavoie played four seasons at Carleton University (2019-23) playing guard and center in 29 games for the Ravens. In 2019, he was named the team’s Rookie of the Year.
