Calgary fans finally got the news they have been waiting to hear with quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell announced as starting quarterback.
The announcement came on Friday just one day before their rematch with Edmonton Elks.
Mitchell started the season injured in week one against Toronto. He would play one more game before having to be placed on the six-game injured list with the broken fibula. During his absence, rookie quarterback Jake Maier started the next three games at quarterback winning one start, but becoming first rookie to throw for over 300 yards in each of his first three career starts.
Mitchell returned to the practice field last week and slowly worked into throwing the ball. Maier would end up getting the start as the team lost to Edmonton in the Labor Day matchup 32-20. It has been reported that Mitchell was taking most of the starter snaps for the Stampeders in practice all week.
In two starts this season for Calgary, Mitchell has thrown for 542 yards with one touchdown and five interceptions. The team has not won a game with Mitchell at starter or have won a road game this season.
The Impact of Bo Levi Mitchell’s Return
Mitchell’s injuries lately have been shown to make an impact on his performance on the field. His three-interception performance in the playoffs in 2019 could have been due to his pectoral injury that caused him to miss six games that season. He tried to play through his fibula injury in week two this season against BC, but threw for a career-high four interceptions in the 15-9 loss.
It’s the ultimate test for one of the league’s best quarterbacks in the last five to ten seasons against Edmonton. Not only does he need to elevate his performance, but has to help the team get out from the bottom of the west division at 1-4. Another loss for the team would drastically decrease their chances of making a 15th straight playoff appearance.
Fans will get a better idea of life with Mitchell again in a post-fibula injury life. Maier did an exceptional job leading Calgary the past three games showing the confidence of a veteran quarterback. It gives fans hope that Maier could be the eventual replacement for Mitchell once he retires. For now though, Mitchell seems poised to show why he won two MVP awards and two Grey Cup titles.
