‘Father Time helping heal’ Mitchell’s knee soreness
‘It’s not something that … is going to linger on too much longer,’ QB says
While Bo Levi Mitchell’s health is always a chief concern in this city, it is likely that progress of the Calgary Stampeders quarterback’s knee won’t dominate headlines like it did last week.
“It’s not something that, in my opinion, is going to linger on too much longer,” said the starting quarterback of the injury which he suffered on July 12 against the Ottawa Redblacks. “It’s all pain management and we’re athletes — we can all deal with the pain. It felt good, it felt like I could move around (Tuesday) which was nice. I didn’t have to take an anti-inflammatory (medication) or anything.”
On Tuesday, Mitchell was in his normal starter’s position as the team ran through drills and his participation was noticeable. He was able to move out of the pocket and has been improving daily.
It’s an encouraging sign looking ahead to Saturday’s clash against the Saskatchewan Roughriders, especially after he was able to last through the entirety of Saturday ’s home win over the Montreal Alouettes.
“It’s a part of my game — to control the pocket, for one, but to escape to throw. It’s something I’ve always been big into. It’s my M.O.,” Mitchell said. “A lot of guys know that. To make sure I can have that during the game is great. Especially (this Saturday) against a great defence, Sask has always played us tight.
“Last week, (the injury) was in the back of my head, thinking about my drop. During the game, it felt fine and I just let it rip. But during practices last week, I was definitely trying to be conservative.”
On Tuesday, he reported that he felt like his old self, which is good news for Dave Dickenson.
“I feel good about his progress and game-wise, I don’t think anything made it worse,” said the Stampeders head coach. “He’s now a little bit better, with Father Time helping to heal it. Everything is pointing in the right direction there.”
The Stampeders welcomed back some familiar faces at practice on Tuesday including Tunde Adeleke.
The 23-year-old safety was a participant in practice after a sideline collision with an advertising board has kept him out for the past three games.
“We got some of our guys that have been on our six-game (injured) list and are able to practice,” Dickenson said. “Certainly not looking for them to play yet, but we also have three or four of the guys who took maintenance days.
“(Adeleke) is going to push it each and every day. If he’s available, I’d love to have him out there. He’s been one of our better guys. He was taking some good steps forward and gives us some extra depth. I’d like to get him out there.”
One notable body missing in action was Cordarro Law who was last seen unable to put weight on his foot, limping post game on Saturday.
And while Dickenson wouldn’t rule him out for this Saturday’s game at Mosaic Stadium versus the Saskatchewan Roughriders, he didn’t confirm his availability.
“We didn’t get negative news on it,” Dickenson said. “He’s a tough guy. I would expect him to try and be back out here as quick as possible.
“Nothing major, though, so we hope to see him tomorrow.”
James Vaughters would likely be Law’s replacement, should he be unable to play on Saturday.
Elsewhere, the Stampeders released international defensive back Devin Butler from the practice roster.
Tuesday was Calgary ’s first practice since Saturday’s 25-8 victory over the Montreal Alouettes. Sure, they walked away 5-0 — and are the only undefeated team in the CFL — but the head coach is adamant that his team doesn’t get complacent.
“Don’t let a win or a loss change your work habits,” he said. “Don’t let a win or a loss change your desire to get better. Each and every week, it’s about improving little things we know we can get better at. There are lots of things we could have been better at last game. But we’re still proud of our guys and excited we’re 5-0. We want to lock in and keep playing better football and our guys had a good practice today.”
It’s all pain management and we’re athletes — we can all deal with the pain. It felt good, it felt like I could move around.