The Jacksonville Jaguars have signed former CFL quarterback Nathan Rourke to their practice squad. just a few days after cutting him. Rourke will effectively be the No. 3 quarterback now behind Trevor Lawrence and C.J. Beathard, though he will need to be activated to play.
As Trevor Lawrence dealt with a knee injury last week, Rourke was elected to the team’s active roster, serving as an emergency quarterback. Lawrence went 20-of-29 (68.9 percent) with 204 yards and a touchdown in the team’s 31-24 win over New Orleans. Jacksonville released Rourke a day later.
After passing through waivers, the 25-year-old Rourke has found his way back on the Jaguars’ practice squad.
Rourke spent three seasons as the quarterback with the Ohio Bobcats, where he led the team to three bowl victories. He was also the first and second winner of the Jon Cornish Trophy, which goes to the top Canadian football player in the NCAA.
After a stellar college career at Ohio University, was drafted by the BC Lions of the Canadian Football League in 2020. He tried out for the New York Giants at the wide receiver position but returned to Canada to make his CFL debut in 2022. In his debut, he had five touchdowns in a victory for the Lions. For his performance during the season, he was awarded the CFL’s Most Outstanding Canadian award.
Back with the Jaguars, Rourke’s NFL dreams are still alive.
