Nathan Rourke, the Canadian quarterback known for his exceptional 2022 season with the B.C. Lions in the CFL, has joined the Jacksonville Jaguars' practice squad. This move comes after Rourke cleared NFL waivers, providing an opportunity to delve into his career trajectory and what this means for his future in professional football.
CFL Career Highlights
Nathan Rourke became the CFL's top Canadian player during his 2022 season with the B.C. Lions. In ten regular-season games, he amassed 3,349 yards, completing 255 of 324 pass attempts. His 25 touchdowns and 10 interceptions earned him a league-high completion rate of 78.7%. Rourke's CFL performance was not without setbacks; he missed eight games due to a Lisfranc sprain in his right foot.
College Background
Before his CFL career, Rourke played for Ohio University from 2017 to 2019. Standing at six-foot-two and weighing 209 pounds, he recorded 7,457 passing yards, 60 touchdowns, and 20 interceptions. Additionally, he racked up 2,634 rushing yards and 49 rushing touchdowns.
NFL Preseason
Rourke's NFL preseason with the Jacksonville Jaguars was impressive. He completed 66% of his passes, throwing for 348 yards with one touchdown and zero interceptions. Despite his performance, Jacksonville waived him, later adding him to the practice squad after he cleared waivers.
Backup Quarterback Situation
The Jaguars were clear that C.J. Beathard would serve as the backup to starter Trevor Lawrence. New NFL rules now allow for a third quarterback on the 53-man roster, which can be activated without affecting the 46-man game-day roster, potentially providing Rourke with future opportunities.
Workouts with Other NFL Teams
Before joining the Jaguars, Rourke had workouts with 12 NFL teams, including Cleveland, Las Vegas, Kansas City, Cincinnati, Minnesota, Denver, Indianapolis, Tampa Bay, Arizona, New York Giants, and the Los Angeles Chargers.
Nathan Rourke’s journey from CFL stardom to the NFL is notable for its highs and lows. Whether he rises up the Jaguars’ depth chart or returns to the CFL, he remains a player to watch.