In a crucial move, the Hamilton Tiger-Cats are set to bring back their veteran quarterback, Bo Levi Mitchell, to the starting lineup as they gear up for their Week 8 clash against the Ottawa REDBLACKS. Mitchell’s return from the six-game injured list adds a much-needed layer of experience to the Tiger-Cats’ roster, which has seen a flurry of changes due to injuries.

Mitchell was placed on the injured list following a lower body injury during the Week 2 match against the Toronto Argonauts. His absence saw Matthew Shiltz step in as the lead quarterback, but an injury in Week 6 against the Edmonton Elks landed Shiltz on the six-game injured list as well. This led to rookie Taylor Powell taking his first CFL start in Week 7, which unfortunately ended in a home loss to the Argos.

Mitchell’s return is particularly timely for the Tiger-Cats, who are currently 2-4 on the season. Nonetheless, they’ve shown grit by winning two of their last three games. With Mitchell in the helm, the team sees an opportunity to leap to the second place in the East Division with a win against the REDBLACKS.

The Texas native, who won two Most Outstanding Player awards and two Grey Cups during his ten seasons with the Calgary Stampeders, brings an impressive track record to the table. He signed a three-year contract with the Ticats this offseason, becoming the second-highest-paid quarterback in the league. In the two games he played for Hamilton this season, he completed 33-of-57 passes for 358 yards, one touchdown, and four interceptions.

In addition to the change at quarterback, the Tiger-Cats roster will see further alterations. With starting right tackle Tyrone Riley on the six-game injured list and veteran Canadian Chris Van Zeyl ruled out for non-football-related reasons, rookie Kendrick Sartor will draw into the lineup as the starter.

The Tiger-Cats and the REDBLACKS will square off on Friday at 7:30 p.m. ET at TD Place Stadium, a contest that could significantly alter the East Division standings.