Calgary Stampeders head coach Dave Dickenson has squashed even the smallest idea there could be a quarterback controversy in Cowtown.
Rookie QB Jake Maier has thrown for over 300 yards in back-to-back starts, the first two of his career, but once Bo Levi Mitchell is activated he’ll be the starter.
“Bo is, in my opinion, getting closer. I’m going to let you know that when he’s healthy he’s playing, so we’ll just have to see how it comes out,” Dickenson said.
After Mitchell was placed on the six-game injured list with a broken leg, he’s since been taken off, Maier was named QB1 for Calgary. The first-year signal caller won his first start against Montreal but lost his second in Winnipeg in a game that came down to the final play. Dickenson would not confirm his starting pivot for the Labour Day Classic.
“I have no idea, I really don’t. My job is to just be the best quarterback for this team as long a they need me. I’m going to put my best foot forward,” Maier said.
“When Bo is ready to comeback, great. I don’t know what’s going to happen, I just know that I’m going to mentally prepare like I am going to play and that’s really how it goes whether I’m starting or not.”
Mitchell suffered what turned out to be a fractured fibula on a late hit from former teammate Charleston Hughes during Calgary’s Week 1 loss to the Toronto Argonauts. He finished the game, threw four interceptions while losing to the B.C. Lions in Week 2 and then was placed on the six-game injured list after undergoing X-rays.
“I am impressed with Jake and I know Bo has been a great leader and teammate. Let’s keep building that room and make sure whoever is behind centre is the best guy on the field,” Dickenson said.
“I’m hoping we get a few guys back healthy soon and we can really take another step and hopefully get a win on Labour Day.”
