Mitchell ready to shoulder the load for Stamps

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With a shoulder that’s finally healed, Bo Levi Mitchell is ready to lead the Calgary Stampeders this season. 

The long-time Stamps pivot has been plagued by injuries the past two seasons, and had his right shoulder operated on in 2020. Last year was the worst of his storied CFL career. Mitchell led the league in interceptions and his 10 touchdown passes were his fewest since 2013.

Much of the Stampeders’ Grey Cup hopes rest on the 32-year-old’s arm – and coming into the 2022 opener Thursday versus the Montreal Alouettes at McMahon Stadium, he finally feels healthy.

“Great,” Mitchell replied when asked of his health. “I think we’re kind of chomping at the bit here. Dave and the coaching staff took care of us during training camp, making us feel healthy and strong and [now] we’re kind of just ready to get in some game action.”

Stampeders head coach Dave Dickinson said the quarterback has passed the eye test at training camp.

“If you watch, his delivery has gone back to what it used to be,” Dickinson said. “He has a tendency at times to drop under the ball, and that’s because he has some shoulder pain, and that, in my opinion, could cause some of the higher throws. I haven’t seen that much. I just feel like I’ve got a great quarterback group and I know that Bo’s going to be a big part of that.”

Mitchell’s understudy is Jake Maier, a second-year CFL pivot who started three times last season while Mitchell was injured, becoming the first player in league history to pass for 300 yards in each of his first three games.

“I definitely feel more comfortable with the offence, with the team,” Maier, 25, said. “I feel like I have a stronger voice in the locker room and I’m starting to develop into a leader and just