By: Justin Gincauskas
The New England Patriots claimed quarterback Nathan Rourke off waivers Monday, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.
The move comes after New England lost Malik Cunningham to the Ravens last week and Will Grier to the Los Angeles Chargers earlier Monday. By adding Rourke, the team’s quarterback depth chart is full again.
Rourke was signed to the 53-man roster for the Jacksonville Jaguars’ Week 14 loss to the Cleveland Browns, with the team taking advantage of the league’s new emergency third quarterback rule as starter Trevor Lawrence and backup C.J. Beathard battled with injuries. The Jaguars then released Rourke on Saturday before their game against Baltimore on Sunday night.
Nathan Rourke is a 25-year-old out of Ohio who spent two seasons in the CFL. The British Columbia native played for the BC Lions in 2021 and 2022.
During the 2022 season, Rourke threw for 3,349 yards and rushed for 304 in 10 games with the Lions. He had 25 passing touchdowns and added another seven touchdowns via rushing. Rourke’s best game came in Week 9, where he threw for 477 yards and five touchdowns.
Rourke was named the CFL’s Most Outstanding Canadian for his play during the 2022 season. His team went 8-2 in the games he started, and he set the CFL’s single-season pass completion record by completing 78.7% of his 324 attempts.
In his CFL career, Rourke has thrown for over 4,000 yards in 23 games. He also has 28 career touchdown passes and 15 interceptions.
The Patriots have struggled badly at the quarterback position this season. New England started the season with Mac Jones under center, but his poor play has led to backup Bailey Zappe getting the start in the last three games. Jones has thrown 12 interceptions compared to his 10 touchdown passes, while Zappe has thrown four interceptions to go with his four touchdowns this season.
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