Collins recovers fumble, scores late as Elks edge Tiger-Cats for 1st win of season

Jalen Collins recovered a fumble and scored on a 14-yard return in the fourth quarter to give the Edmonton Elks their first win of the season with a 29-25 win over the Hamilton Tiger-Cats on Friday.

Elks defensive back Jeawon Taylor stripped Hamilton quarterback Dane Evans of the ball on a rush to the outside. Collins recovered for his game-winning score with one minute 38 seconds remaining in the game.

Hamilton's offence then progressed to the Elks' 30-yard line, but turned the ball over on downs.

Evans was 20-for-31 in passing for 197 yards and a touchdown throw. He was intercepted twice.

Edmonton improved to 1-3, while Hamilton has lost four in a row to start a season for the first time since going 0-8 in 2017.

WATCH l Collins's late TD hands Elks 1st win of CFL season:

Elks head coach Chris Jones has never begun a season with four consecutive losses.

Down 10 points to start the third quarter, the Elks yielded a 33-yard field goal to Hamilton before booting field goals of their own from 38 and 32 yards.

The Elks trailed 22-15 entering the final quarter.

Edmonton's Matthew Thomas picked off Evans, his sixth interception of the season, to start the fourth quarter.

That set up Ford's first career touchdown pass of 10 yards to Kenny Lawler to tie the game 22-22.

Hamilton pulled ahead on Michael Donagala's 33-field goal with 3:11 remaining before Collins gave the visitors the lead.

During a timeout midway through the first quarter, the CFL club honoured the OHL champion and Memorial Cup finalist Hamilton Bulldogs.

Hamilton led 16-6 after the first quarter. Hemmed near their goal line, the Elks conceded a safety after their opening drive.

The home side marched for an opening touchdown on its next possession.

Evans threw for