After dropping to a league-worst 1-4 record, the Calgary Stampeders are hoping Bo Levi Mitchell can return for the Labour Day rematch in Edmonton.
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 that game, threw a single-game career-high 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.
The 31-year-old was diagnosed with a fractured fibula and he’s missed his team’s last three games as Calgary has fallen to last place in the West Division. Mitchell was taken off the six-game injured list prior to the Labour Day Classic match-up against Edmonton in Week 5 and participated fully in multiple practices.
Mitchell has yet to reach his usual MOP-calibre level of play this year, completing 44-of-73 pass attempts (60 percent) for 542 yards, one touchdown, and five interceptions in two losses to open the season. The two-time Grey Cup champion could be back behind centre on Saturday in the Alberta capital.
“He’s getting better,” head coach Dave Dickenson said. “I’d like to see him do a little bit more this week and if he says he’s good to go, I’m going to put him in there.”
Rookie Jake Maier has started at QB with Mitchell sidelined. He’s thrown for 939 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions while completing 66 percent of his passes — three straight games over 300 passing yards.
Despite his impressive yardage production, the Stamps are 1-2 with Maier as the starter. Mitchell and his CFL record win percentage could help Calgary comeback from a terrible start to the 14-game regular season.
