Stampeders list rookie Maier as the starter for CFL contest versus Montreal Alouettes

CALGARY – Rookie American quarterback Jake Maier will make his first CFL start Friday when the Calgary Stampeders host the Montreal Alouettes.

Maier was listed ahead of Canadian Michael O’Connor when Calgary (0-2) released its depth chart Thursday for the game against Montreal (1-0).

Maier replaces veteran Bo Levi Mitchell, who went on the six-game injured list earlier this week with a broken fibula.

The move is surprising as O’Connor, a 25-year-old Ottawa native, was expected to start in Mitchell’s absence.

O’Connor is in his second CFL season, first with Calgary. He dressed for nine games with Toronto in 2019, seeing action in two.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 19, 2021.