Logan Bonner to make first start for Stampeders against Elks as Maier is benched

The struggling Calgary Stampeders are making a dramatic move to try to stay in the playoff hunt.

The Stampeders confirmed Friday they will give quarterback Logan Bonner his first career start on Saturday against the Edmonton Elks. He’ll replace Jake Maier, who threw four interceptions in Monday’s loss against Edmonton.

Bonner was on Calgary’s practice roster last season and has seen limited action this season. The Dallas native, 26, completed four of six passes for 33 yards after replacing Maier late in last week’s game.

Maier was named Calgary’s starter midway through the 2022 season, replacing Bo Levi Mitchell. The Stamps are 4-7 this year.

Maier is second in the league with 3,921 passing yards this season, but his touchdown-to-interception ratio (15-11) has been less than ideal.

Before this move, the Stampeders were the only team in the CFL to start every game this season.

The Calgary Stampeders will be making a change at quarterback for their upcoming game against the Edmonton Elks, as Logan Bonner is set to make his first start in place of Jake Maier, who has been benched.

Bonner, who joined the Stampeders this season after spending time with the Saskatchewan Roughriders, has been waiting for his opportunity to showcase his skills as a starting quarterback in the CFL. The 25-year-old signal-caller has impressed coaches and teammates with his work ethic and performance in practice, leading to the decision to give him the nod against the Elks.

Maier, who has been the Stampeders’ starting quarterback for the majority of the season, has struggled at times, leading to calls for a change at the position. Head coach Dave Dickenson made the decision to bench Maier in favor of Bonner in an effort to spark the offense and give the team a fresh look heading into a crucial stretch of games.

While Maier has shown flashes of potential, he has also struggled with turnovers and inconsistency, prompting the coaching staff to make a change in hopes of jumpstarting the offense. Bonner will have the opportunity to prove himself as a capable starter and potentially solidify his role as the team’s quarterback moving forward.

The Stampeders will be looking to bounce back from a tough loss in their last game and secure a much-needed win against their division rival, the Elks. With Bonner at the helm, the team will be hoping for a strong performance on both sides of the ball to come away with a victory and keep their playoff hopes alive.

Fans will be eager to see how Bonner performs in his first start for the Stampeders and whether he can provide a spark for the team as they look to make a push for the postseason. The game against the Elks will be a crucial test for Bonner and the Stampeders as they look to turn their season around and make a push for a playoff spot in the highly competitive West Division.