Hamilton Tiger-Cats quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell returned to practice Monday after missing the last month due to a lower-body injury, according to TSN`s Matthew Scianitti.
Scianitti added that Mitchell split reps with Taylor Powell before the padded section of practice, and split reps again with Powell in the padded section. The Ticats also ended practice with Mitchell leading 'victory formation'.
As @LouieB_TV noted, Bo Levi Mitchell is back at #TIcats practice. He split reps with Taylor Powell before the padded section of practice, and split reps again with Powell in the padded section @CFLonTSN @TSN_Sports @TSN_Edge
— Matthew Scianitti (@TSNScianitti) July 24, 2023
TSN Football Insider Farhan Lalji noted that in order for Mitchell to practice this soon, it means he has been activated from the six-game injured list.
In order for Bo to practice this soon it means he’s being activated. If you’re on the 6-game inj list you can practice before the 6th game missed. This would be his 5th game missed. So it means he’s coming off early. @CFLonTSN https://t.co/sFjNnRHQL2
— Farhan Lalji (@FarhanLaljiTSN) July 24, 2023
"It felt good to just be back out there with the boys," Mitchell said after practice Monday. "Sitting there on the six-game list and you're on the sidelines just working out and watching; it's fun to do rehab and get better, but it's a lot more fun to play football."
"I think guys have played awesome," Mitchell said on the offence's play since his absence. That said, Mitchell knows the team can be better, saying, "In general, not to single anyone out, I just think we're inconsistent."
"I think both QBs [Taylor Powell and Matthew Shiltz] have done a great job taking off and using their feet...Both guys did a great job commanding the offence."
QB Bo Levi Mitchell Speaks with media following today's practice.#Ticats | #CFL pic.twitter.com/9NUzFVJ8I6
— Hamilton Tiger-Cats (@Ticats) July 24, 2023
Mitchell was injured in the fourth quarter of the Ticats' Week 2 loss to the Toronto Argonauts. The 33-year-old walked gingerly to the medical tent after taking a hit in the endzone.
Mitchell knelt at the sideline and felt his quad and hamstring area.
Mitchell completed 16 passes for 158 yards and two end zone interceptions prior to his exit against the Argos. Backup quarterback Shiltz entered the game and completed 13 of his 14 pass attempts for 115 yards and a touchdown.
The Ticats placed Mitchell on the six-game injured list hours before their Week-3 game against the Montreal Alouettes the following week.
Mitchell is in his first season with the Tiger-Cats after the team acquired his rights in a trade with the Calgary Stampeders.
Mitchell played 10 seasons for the Stampeders, winning Grey Cup titles and Grey Cup MVP honours in 2014 and 2018.
The native Texan played in 18 games for the Stampeders last season, completing 160 passes for 2,010 yards and nine touchdowns.
After being injured in the Ticats' Week 6 win over the Edmonton Elks, Shiltz was placed on the six-game injured list after suffering an apparent leg injury.
Eastern Michigan University product Powell got his first start under centre last week against the Argonauts, throwing for 283 yards and an interception in the Ticats' 31-15 loss.
When asked if he was playing Friday against the Ottawa Redblacks, Mitchell responded with, "We'll see."
"To be completly blunt and honest, I'm just going to test it out each day and be honest with O [head coach Orlondo Steinauer]... He [Steinauer] will see Taylor as well. Taylor's going to prepare like he's the guy, I'm going to prepare like I'm the guy."
"My hope is that everything responds great, (and that) I feel great."
