The Calgary Stampeders were shorthanded at quarterback during Thursday’s practice, just two days before the team plays the Montreal Alouettes at McMahon Stadium.

Bo Levi Mitchell did not practise Thursday, while Nick Arbuckle was limited, per the team’s play-by-play broadcaster Mark Stephen. Head coach Dave Dickenson said after practice that the two are dealing with stiffness.

“Both guys kind of observed,” Dickenson told reporters. “Unfortunately a little bit of stiffness. We definitely weren’t able to get what we wanted out of the practice because neither guy felt like their arm was that great. I’m hopeful both will be there [Saturday against the Alouettes] but that was certainly not what I was looking forward to today.”

Mitchell, recovering from a pectoral injury suffered in Week 3, took part in practice on Tuesday, but did not throw Wednesday due to soreness. Arbuckle hasn’t missed a game as Mitchell’s replacement, but Dickenson wouldn’t commit to him being ready for their Week 10 game.

“I think there’s not a huge chance [Arbuckle misses the game], but I’m really kind of hoping both are ready. Quarterback is so dicey when you’re talking stiffness, so I’m going to let it play out.”

Arbuckle has gone 4-2 as the team's starter since taking over for the injured Mitchell in Week 4. He completed 22 of 35 passes for 260 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers last week.

Third-string quarterback Montell Cozart took the majority of snaps on Thursday. The rookie from Boise State has thrown just one pass in his CFL career.

Dickenson said whoever is behind centre for the Stamps on Saturday will be tested by the Alouettes.

“We just have to prepare. Whoever’s playing needs to play well because it’s going to be an extremely tough challenge against Montreal.”

The Stampeders (5-3) enter Week 10 tied with the Saskatchewan Roughriders and Edmonton Eskimos for second place in the West Division. The Alouettes (3-4) sit second in the CFL's East Division.