The CFL’s leading passer will be back under centre for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats on Friday night, even if they don’t want him there.

Bo Levi Mitchell has been given the start against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers after fellow quarterback Taylor Powell was placed on the six-game injured list with a concussion. The 34-year-old was benched early in Week 10 and replaced with Powell, but had to step in and play the majority of last week’s game after his replacement was taken to hospital.

Through 10 games, Mitchell still leads the CFL in passing yards, touchdowns and interceptions. He has gone 237-of-348 for 2,816 yards, 19 majors, and 14 picks.

Rookie Harrison Frost will serve as the team’s primary backup and Taulia Tagovailoa, brother of Miami Dolphins’ QB Tua, will dress for the first time as the third-stringer.

Offensively, running back James Butler will be a healthy scratch for the second straight week and will be joined by right tackle Jordan Murray. Rookie Brendan Bordner returns from illness to step in at left tackle, bumping Quinton Barrow to the right side.

Canadian receiver Luther Hakunavanhu (head) has been placed on the six-game injured list and his backup Tyler Ternowski (head) will go on the one-game injured list. Brendan O’Leary-Orange will get the start in the slot, with American Dezmon Patmon dressing as insurance. Jordan Byrd will also suit up for the first time as the team’s returner.

Defensively, Richard Leonard will bump over to field halfback following the release of Kenneth George and Will Sunderland will start at corner, with Canadian Siriman Harrison Bagayogo dressing as insurance. Canadian defensive lineman Benoit Marion also returns to the lineup.

Special teams standout Carthell Flowers-Lloyd will be a healthy scratch and linebacker Ray Wilborn has been demoted to the practice roster. Canadian rookie Daniel Bell (head) will spend the week on the one-game injured list.

The Hamilton Tiger-Cats (2-8) will visit the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on Friday, August 23 at 8:30 p.m. EDT.