Hamilton Tiger-Cats rule out Bo Levi Mitchell for 2026 regular-season

Photo: Bob Butrym/RFB Sport Photography / 3DownNation. All rights reserved.

The Hamilton Tiger-Cats have officially ruled out franchise quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell for the rest of this year’s regular-season.

“I believe it is (a season-ending injury). I think I’ve made that fairly clear,” head coach Scott Milanovich told the media on Monday.

“It was a nine-month injury. He’s doing great, I think he’s probably ahead of schedule. I wouldn’t say (there’s no way Mitchell could play in the playoffs) but realistically, we wouldn’t put him out there and endanger him. He’s moving around a little bit now but (his return) is not on my radar as of this point.”

The 36-year-old was carted off the field on July 5 during Hamilton’s 14-13 loss to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. His left foot was caught under defensive lineman Jake Ceresna during a sack and he had to be taken to hospital in an ambulance.

Mitchell underwent surgery soon after, and vowed to return to the field as soon as possible. He provided a brief update on the injury in mid-August, when he indicated he was no longer wearing a boot and was able to walk with his full weight on the injured ankle.

The native of Katy, Texas got off to a strong start to the regular-season, completing 78.2 percent of his passes for 1,107 yards, nine touchdowns, and one interception.

Milanovich previously indicated the injury could be season-ending, though this marks the first time he’s officially declared Mitchell will not play again in the regular-season.

Mitchell is a two-time Grey Cup champion, two-time Grey Cup Most Valuable Player, two-time All-CFL selection, two-time CFL passing leader, and two-time CFL Most Outstanding Player.

Over 211 career regular-season games, he has thrown for 45,426 yards, 271 touchdowns, and 129 interceptions, and rushed 212 times for 1,049 yards and 14 scores.

The Hamilton Tiger-Cats (4-9) will host the Montreal Alouettes (10-3) at Hamilton Stadium on Friday, September 18 with kickoff scheduled for 7:30 p.m. EDT. Last week, the Alouettes lost 48-29 in a gritty game against the B.C. Lions, while the Tiger-Cats were on bye.

The game will be broadcast on TSN and RDS in Canada, CBS Sports Network in the United States, and CFL+ internationally. Radio listeners can tune-in on TSN 690 (English) or 99.5 Montreal (French) in Montreal or the Ticats Audio Network.