CFL Week 6: Bo Levi Mitchell Injury Places Ti-Cats Season In Limbo
Hamilton quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell sustained a serious ankle injury, as return remains in doubt.
Last Call! The SMWW Basketball Career Conference is this weekend in Las Vegas. Join industry professionals for the ultimate networking experience, catch eight NBA teams in action and elevate your sports career to new heights. — Limited Seats Available
CFL WEEK 6 POWER RANKINGS
The CFL enters Week 6 with exciting momentum, as the season has been filled with high scoring, late-game theatrics and plenty of parity. In fact, just two teams have a losing record. All Access Football examines each team below with a look at our latest CFL ‘Power Rankings,’ plus Week 5 Players of the Week, Most Outstanding Player candidates, quarterback rankings and more.
#1. SASKATCHEWAN ROUGHRIDERS (3-1) | [LAST WEEK: #3]
Week 6: Saskatchewan (8.5) at Hamilton (54.5) — The Roughriders swept the 2025 season series. — Sunday, July 12, 2026 at 7:00p ET.
Saskatchewan defeated Ottawa 27-22 last week behind emerging CFL superstar KeeSean Johnson, who hauled in the game-winning touchdown and finished with 137 yards—he’s currently second in the league with 438 receiving yards. The REDBLACKS struggled to contain Johnson during their last meeting, as he racked up a then-career-high 124 yards.
Roughriders quarterback Trevor Harris has 1,418 passing yards and 10 touchdowns (two interceptions) through four games. Backup Tommy Stevens is arguably the most effective short-yardage runner in the CFL and has three rushing touchdowns thus far. Former Maryland standout safety Antoine Brooks is third in the league with 27 tackles, including two on special teams. However, there is one player who deserves to have the spotlight shined on him.
An undrafted free agent out of Eastern Michigan in 2020, journeyman wide receiver Matthew Sexton may have found a permanent home in Saskatchewan, his ninth pro organization. After multiple stints in the NFL, XFL and UFL, Sexton was cut by Ottawa in rookie camp earlier this year. Last week, he made a statement in his CFL debut with 101-yard punt return for a touchdown, the longest in team history, to help propel the Roughriders over the the team who discarded him.
For all the hard work he has put in, it was sweet revenge for Sexton who has played for the REDBLACKS (2026), San Antonio Brahmas (2025), Miami Dolphins (2024), New England Patriots (2023), Atlanta Falcons (2023), Vegas Vipers (2023), Kansas City Chiefs (2022), Pittsburgh Steelers (2021) and now the Roughriders.
#2. EDMONTON ELKS (3-1) | [LAST WEEK: #2]
Week 6: Ottawa (+7) at Edmonton (58.5) — The Elks defeated the REDBLACKS 29-21 in Week 1. — Thursday, July 9, 2026 at 9:00p ET.
With Edmonton falling to BC 36-24 last week, no undefeated CFL team remains. Elks signal-caller Cody Fajardo threw for 395 yards and three touchdowns but finished with three picks. Running back Justin Rankin was held in check on the ground, finishing with just seven rushes for 19 yards (and one fumble) but did have 10 catches for 100 yards, showcasing once again why he is the most well-rounded back in the league.
Despite a down day running the ball, Rankin still leads the CFL with 406 rushing yards and is second on the team in receiving with 254 receiving yards. Edmonton owns a modest receiver corps, led by Austin Mack who leads the team with 273 receiving yards (eight catches for 141 yards in Week 5).
Former Edmonton linebacker Nyles Morgan joined Ottawa this offseason and leads the CFL with 31 tackles. However, Morgan was disposable to the Elks due to the stellar play of budding linebacker Joel Dublanko, the No.1 overall pick of the 2024 CFL Draft. Last week, Dublanko recorded his first career interception and now has 20 tackles on the season.
Overall, the Elks defense has stepped up in a major way this season, including 2026 first round selection Dariel Djabome (No.3 overall out of Rutgers), who received his first career start in Week 5 in place of the injured Nick Anderson. He responded with seven tackles and an interception. Safety Tyrell Ford is tied for the team-lead with 20 tackles, while defensive end Malik Carney and safety Kordell Jackson have two fumble recoveries each this year.
#3. MONTREAL ALOUETTES (3-1) | [LAST WEEK: #4]
Week 6: Calgary (+3.5) at Montreal (62.5) — The Alouettes swept the 2025 season series. — Thursday, July 11, 2026 at 7:00p ET.
Montreal has been involved in one score outcomes in all four of their games this year. The Alouettes enter Week 6 off the bye, providing quarterback Davis Alexander an extra week to heal up a sore right knee. He sits second in the CFL in passing with 1,478 yards and seven touchdowns (no interceptions).
No player has made more big plays than Tyson Philpot this season. He leads the league with 587 receiving yards, along with three touchdowns. One area where the team has struggled is establishing the run. Starter Stevie Scott has been nursing an injury; Travis Theis leads the team with just 165 rushing yards.
The Alouettes remained busy during their off week with the announcement of several transactions, including the signing of quarterback Terry Wilson, who spent the last two seasons with Winnipeg. The team also added former Michigan defensive end TJ Guy and wideout Shaleak Knotts, who was with the Minnesota Vikings during rookie camp, while releasing former Miami linebacker/safety Bubba Bolden.
Their Week 6 matchup against the Stampeders is the first of home-at-home matchups, as the team will travel to Calgary in Week 7. The games are sure to have major implications on the CFL playoff hunt.
#4. CALGARY STAMPEDERS (2-2) | [LAST WEEK: #7]
Week 6: Calgary (+3.5) at Montreal (62.5) — The Stampeders enter this contest on a two-game win streak. — Thursday, July 11, 2026 at 7:00p ET.
It was a performance for the ages, as Calgary quarterback Vernon Adams Jr. penned one of the greatest showings in CFL history. Adams Jr. put on a masterclass, completing 20-of-25 passes, for 405 yards, six passing touchdowns, a perfect passer rating of 158.3, plus one rushing touchdown, for a total of seven scores, as the Stampeders downed the Argonauts 58-36.
In addition, Adams Jr. became just the fifth player in league history with 400 passing yards, six touchdowns and zero interceptions in a game, earning MVP honors in the second annual Stampede Bowl. He now has 11 touchdowns and has yet to throw an interception in 109 pass attempts this season.
On defense up front, Calgary pass-rusher Clarence Hicks generated nine total pressures, including six quarterback hits and three hurries, despite not recording a sack. On the backend, cornerback Zy Alexander did not allow a single reception, while recording two interceptions and a pair of tackles.
The Stampeders look to carry their momentum into Montreal in a quarterback showdown between Adams Jr. and Alouettes rising star Davis Alexander, who is 15-1 in the regular season for his career.
#5. WINNIPEG BLUE BOMBERS (2-2) | [LAST WEEK: #6]
Week 6: Toronto (-2.5) at Winnipeg (60.5) — The two teams split their season series in 2025. — Friday, July 10, 2026 at 8:30p ET.
Winnipeg quarterback Zach Collaros suffered an upper body injury last week during a sack by Hamilton safety Reggie Stubblefield and did not return to action. Rookie backup Taylor Elgersma would enter the game to rally the Blue Bombers to a late 14-13 win over the Tiger-Cats.
The poised Elgersma finished last week completing 11-of-15 passes, for 86 yards and one touchdown, to wideout Ontaria Wilson. It remains unknown how much time Collaros will miss but Elgersma is expected to get the start this week against Toronto. Although, Blue Bombers head coach Mike O’Shea does have some options available to him.
Winnipeg recently acquired former Ottawa starter Dru Brown in a trade, giving up a 2027 first round pick and 2028 conditional second round pick. Former UFL MVP Bryce Perkins, who was a member of the 2022 Rams Super Bowl team is also on the roster. Currently, Perkins primarily handles short-yardage duties, a role he’s expected to continue.
Winnipeg defensive back Major Williams came up clutch with an early interception last weekend, as Hamilton quarterbacks completed just three of the ten passes thrown his way. He would finish with three tackles, while linebacker Tony Jones continues to be a reliable open-field tackler and now has 26 stops through four games.
#6 HAMILTON TIGER-CATS | [LAST WEEK: #1]
Week 6: Saskatchewan (-8.5) at Hamilton (54.5) — The status of quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell remains in serious question. — Sunday, July 12, 2026 at 7:00p ET.
A devastating ankle injury suffered by Most Outstanding Player candidate Bo Levi Mitchell has suddenly placed the Tiger-Cats season in jeopardy. The injury occurred as a result of a sack by Blue Bombers defensive end Jake Ceresna. Hamilton lost their quarterback and ultimately blew a fourth quarter lead, falling 14-13 to Winnipeg.
Known quarterback whisperer Scott Milanovich will choose between Tre Ford or Jake Dolegala to start this week against Saskatchewan. Both signal-callers saw action last week after Mitchell went down, with Ford, a dual-threat option, tossing a costly interception, which seemed to become his trademark during his time with Edmonton. Dolegala is more of a pocket-passer with a cannon of an arm.
UPDATE: Jake Dolegala has been named the Ti-Cats starter for Week 6.
Regardless of who the quarterback is, wideout Kenny Lawler simply makes plays. He caught five passes against Winnipeg, all of which were contested catches, finishing with 65 yards and the team’s lone touchdown. Kiondre Smith led all receivers with 90 yards. Earlier this week, Hamilton announced that the 26-year old, All-CFL Smith was signed to a contract extension through the 2027 season.
The Ti-Cats did receive a boost on defense with the debut of linebacker Wynton McManis. The two-time All-CFL selection had missed the first three games of the regular season due to a knee injury and should provide a major boost moving forward.
#7. TORONTO ARGONAUTS (2-2) | [LAST WEEK: #5]
Week 6: Toronto (-2.5) at Winnipeg (60.5) — The Argonauts attempt to patch up a leaky defense. — Friday, July 10, 2026 at 8:30p ET.
In what has been a high-scoring CFL season, the Argonauts lost the biggest shootout of the year thus far, falling 58-36 to the Stampeders. Calgary quarterback Vernon Adams Jr. gashed their defense for seven total touchdowns to drop Toronto to .500.
Argos quarterback Chad Kelly has been streaky, tossing for 294 passing yards last week but threw two more interceptions and has now thrown eight picks through four games. Toronto failed to get the run game going, as Kelly also led the team with 37 rushing yards. Clearly, the offense needs to play more balanced and with better efficiency.
Top target Damonte Coxie is starting to heat up and hauled in eight receptions for 148 yards and one score versus the Stampeders. He pairs with Kevin Mital to form one of the most dynamic receiving duos in the CFL. The offense is capable of running up and down the field with the best of them. First time head coach Mike Miller will need to figure out a successful formula on defense to get the team back on track.
Meanwhile, general manager Pinball Clemons was busy ading help this week, as the Argonauts announced the signing of defenders Bubba Bolden and Jalen Rayam. The versatile Bolden, who starred at Miami in college and was released by Montreal earlier in the week, can play linebacker or safety, while Rayam provides additional depth at linebacker.
#8. BC LIONS (1-3) | [LAST WEEK: #8]
Week 6: Bye Week — BC heads into the bye with their first victory of the season. — Next Up: at Edmonton in Week 7
The Lions got off the snide in Week 5 with a 36-24 victory over the Elks due to a strong ground attack. BC running back James Butler enjoyed a bust out game with 162 rushing yards on 15 carries and three touchdowns. The 31-year old veteran displayed his elusiveness in the open field, forcing seven missed tackles and gaining six first downs, according to PFF.
Fellow battering mate Zander Horvath handled short-yardage duties, adding 27 rushing yards and another score via the ground, while Lions quarterback Nathan Rourke improved to a career 7-0 mark all-time against the Elks, throwing for 320 passing yards. Wideout Keon Hatcher Jr. leads the team with 320 receiving yards but has yet to find pay-dirt this season.
The defense also stepped up in a major way, as BC picked off Edmonton four times, with interceptions by defensive end Darnell Sankey, defensive tackle Casey Sayles, cornerback Ronald Kent Jr. and safety Jackson Findlay, while linebacker Parker McKenna forced two fumbles.
After defeating the Elks at home, the Lions will rest up this week and then travel to Edmonton for a re-match in Week 7, while the Elks will host the REDBLACKS in Week 6. BC head coach Buck Pierce will use the week off to prepare for the second leg of the season and attempt to rise up in the playoff hunt.
#9. OTTAWA REDBLACKS (0-4) [LAST WEEK: #9]
Week 6: Ottawa (+7) at Edmonton (58.5) — The REDBLACKS are 0-3 against the Elks in their last three games. — Thursday, July 9, 2026 at 9:00p ET.
Ottawa has shown improvement each week but remains the only CFL team yet to win a game. The REDBLACKS list nine players as ‘out’ on the injury report for their matchup against the Elks this week and frustrations continue to mount for head coach Ryan Dinwiddie. An accumulation of poor execution, sloppy play and missed tackles has placed Ottawa in the basement.
Last week, the REDBLACKS committed nine penalties and turned the ball over four times, squandering a first half lead and falling 27-22 to the Roughriders. Starting quarterback Jake Maeir completed 20-of-30 passes, for 259 yards and one touchdown (no interceptions), while newly signed backup McLeod Bethel-Thompson suited up for the first time this season.
Former Cleveland Browns wideout Cade McDonald scored his first career CFL touchdown, hauling in four catches for 30 yards on the night. After a hot start, offseason acquisition Ayden Eberhardt has cooled off with just five catches over his past two games. Overall, Ottawa maintains a sturdy overall corps led by Geno Lewis and Justin Hardy.
Linebacker Nyles Morgan leads the CFL with 31 tackles but the defense has struggled to apply pressure on the quarterback. In what is starting to look like another lost season for the franchise, a win is sorely needed this week. However, in addition to their current four game losing streak, Ottawa has also dropped the last three games against Edmonton, falling 29-21 in their most recent Week 1 matchup.
CFL PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
WK1 | Justin Rankin (EDM) | Robert Kennedy III (MTL) | Jake Ceresna (WPG)
WK2 | Trevor Harris (SSK) | Tyson Philpot (MTL) | Davis Alexander (MTL)
WK3 | Bo Levi Mitchell (HAM) | Justin Rankin (EDM) | Kevin Mital (TOR)
WK4 | Tyson Philpot (MTL) | Davis Alexander (MTL) | Chad Kelly (TOR)
WK5 | Vernon Adams Jr. (CGY) | KeeSean Johnson (SSK) | James Butler (BC)
CFL MOST OUTSTANDING PLAYER CANDIDATES
Bo Levi Mitchell, QB, Hamilton (INJ)
Vernon Adams Jr., QB, Calgary
Nathan Rourke, QB, BC
Trevor Harris, QB, Saskatchewan
Tyson Philpot, WR, Montreal
Justin Rankin, RB, Edmonton
Chad Kelly, QB, Toronto
Davis Alexander, QB, Montreal
KeeSean Johnson, WR, Saskatchewan
Jake Ceresna, DE, Winnipeg Blue Bombers
CFL QUARTERBACK RANKINGS
Bo Levi Mitchell, Hamilton (INJ)
Chad Kelly, Toronto
Nathan Rourke, BC
Vernon Adams Jr., Calgary
Trevor Harris, Saskacthewan
Davis Alexander, Montreal
Cody Fajardo, Edmonton
Zach Collaros, Winnipeg
Jake Maeir, Ottawa
Nick Arbuckle, Toronto