Stampeders’ QB Bo Levi Mitchell limited in practice, suffering soreness

Calgary Stampeders backup quarterback Jake Maier saw an increased workload in practice Thursday, as starter Bo Levi Mitchell saw restricted reps due to what his coach described as soreness.

The Calgary Sun’s Danny Austin reported that Maier saw action with the starting offence for a number of offensive sessions, which was atypical given Mitchell’s presence. After the workout, head coach Dave Dickenson provided the following explanation.

“[Mitchell] did no-huddle, and he did the first group. Sometimes, I don’t know, weather or something, your bones and joints don’t feel the same,” he said. “Hopefully, everything’s good to go, but I fully expect we’ll have three good options at quarterback.”

The Stampeders are coming off an overtime victory over the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, in which Mitchell led a furious comeback from 24-points down. The 32-year-old was triumphant post-game, believing he had finally silenced critics with his dazzling second half.

However, the two-time CFL Most Outstanding Player had a shaky first six quarters of the season and was pulled from the Stampeders’ season opener late in the game with an apparent ankle injury. Mitchell has struggled with injuries since 2019 and is coming off the worst season of his career, throwing for 2,594 yards, 10 touchdowns and a league-worst 13 interceptions in 2021.

The star quarterback is expected to be at full strength for Saturday’s matchup with the Edmonton Elks but his practice pitch count is likely to stir up more doubt surrounding his longevity.