Ticats’ QB Bo Levi Mitchell to undergo surgery for fractured leg: report

Photo courtesy: Scott Grant/CFLPhotoArchive.com

Hamilton Tiger-Cats’ quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell is headed back to the six-game injured list after fracturing his leg on the penultimate play in Friday’s victory over the Ottawa Redblacks.

According to a report from TSN’s Dave Naylor: “The Ticats have avoided the worst-case with the injury to QB Bo Levi Mitchell. He suffered a fracture to his lower leg and will undergo surgery Sunday morning. Expectation is he can return following his time on six-game injury list.”

Mitchell suffered the injury with 13 seconds remaining in the game, with the Ticats leading 16-12. With the team backed up at their own two-yard line following a game-winning defensive stop, the 33-year-old attempted to plunge forward on a QB sneak for some breathing room but was twisted backwards after a defender landed on his lower leg.

The veteran signal-caller was in immediate pain and had to be assisted to the sideline. According to Naylor, the sneak was not the team’s intended play call.

“As for the play on which Bo Levi Mitchell was injured, I’m led to believe the expectation on the Ticats’ sideline was that he would take a knee to end the game. Unclear why that didn’t happen.”

Mitchell was making his return to the lineup following a four-game absence due to an adductor injury suffered in Week 2. He completed 23-of-40 passes (58 percent) for 353 yards, two touchdowns, and five interceptions.

In three games since signing a three-year contract extension with the Ticats worth over $1.5 million, Mitchell has thrown for 711 yards, three touchdowns, and nine interceptions.

In 10 seasons with the Calgary Stampeders, Mitchell threw for 32,541 yards with 188 touchdowns and 89 interceptions while winning a pair of Most Outstanding Player awards and two Grey Cups.

The Ticats (3-3) next host the Montreal Alouettes on Saturday, August 5.