Stampeders want more clarity on quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell’s injury

CALGARY – The Calgary Stampeders are seeking a second opinion on quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell’s injury without revealing exactly what it is.

The CFL’s Most Outstanding Player and Grey Cup MVP in 2018 underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) Tuesday.

Mitchell injured his throwing arm late in Saturday’s game against the B.C. Lions. He wasn’t hit but appeared to strain his arm throwing the football.

Mitchell clutched his upper right chest before leaving the game with three minutes remaining.

“The doctors have told me what they think,” Mitchell said. “We might be of different opinions, let’s just say that. Not necessarily thinking they’re wrong. I just want a little more backup on what they’re saying. It’s more the timeline of what they think. I’m a little bit tougher than most people probably say. They see one small thing and it’s me so they want to be cautious. I’d rather be aggressive and get back on the field.”

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Mitchell will consult with Los Angeles surgeon Dr. Neal ElAttrache, who has operated on the shoulder of Dodgers pitcher Zack Greinke and the Achilles’ tendon of former Laker Kobe Bryant.

Mitchell has sought ElAttrache’s counsel before. Calgary’s quarterback managed pain in his shoulder and elbow throughout the 2017 season.

“You want to make sure that . . . you do what’s best for the athlete and Bo has a relationship there,” head coach Dave Dickenson said. “I trust our guys too, but it certainly doesn’t hurt.”

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Mitchell didn’t throw the ball at practice for a second straight day Wednesday. He indicated he felt pain in his right pectoral muscle.

“It was mainly my pec,” he said. “It kind of pulled there on that second-last play. Tried to throw one more time and didn’t go very well.”

The Stampeders (1-1) face the Saskatchewan Roughriders on Saturday.

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Mitchell hasn’t missed a start since the 2014 season. Backup quarterback Nick Arbuckle and third-stringer Montrell Cozart took reps Wednesday.

Arbuckle’s rushing touchdown, touchdown pass and two-point convert throw to Eric Rogers in the final two minutes Saturday lifted the trailing Stampeders to a 36-22 win over the Lions.

Arbuckle went 9-for-9 in passing for 93 yards in relief of Mitchell.

Running back Don Jackson and receiver Juwan Brescacin are ruled out for Saturday’s game in Regina as both are undergoing concussion protocol.

Calgary’s defensive line is also thinned with long-term injuries to Ivan McLennan, Junior Turner and Folarin Orimolade.

“We gave our trainer a new nickname ‘Doom’ because when he shows up he has a lot of bad news lately,” Dickenson said.