ARLINGTON, TEXAS - AUGUST 12: Nathan Rourke #18 of the Jacksonville Jaguars carries the ball on a touchdown run against the Dallas Cowboys in a preseason game at AT&T Stadium on August 12, 2023 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images)
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.
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Mark PerryEditor
Mark Perry is the founder and editor of CFL News Hub. A dedicated and experienced football analyst, he has been providing comprehensive coverage of the sport since 2018.
Although I understand his choice, that’s a real bummer.
Another tremendous talent is going to waste away on an NFL taxi squad rather than actually playing up here. Not the first, and damned sure not the last.
Nathan Rourke should have taken the Chad Kelly route; that is, to sign a contract extension in the CFL and keep the NFL window open. Now he’s relegate to the no-play squad.
DG
August 30, 2023 at 3:35 pm
Although I understand his choice, that’s a real bummer.
Another tremendous talent is going to waste away on an NFL taxi squad rather than actually playing up here. Not the first, and damned sure not the last.
Paul Trewin
August 31, 2023 at 7:39 am
What a shame that we won’t get to see him display his talents either in the NFL or CFL
Illurion
August 31, 2023 at 10:35 am
Keep the faith guys.
Longhair may get hurt, and the backup may not perform.
Leaving the jags with no choice but to bring Rourke up as main QB.
Be patient.
David Tress
September 1, 2023 at 11:35 am
Nathan Rourke should have taken the Chad Kelly route; that is, to sign a contract extension in the CFL and keep the NFL window open. Now he’s relegate to the no-play squad.