The New England Patriots signed quarterback Nathan Rourke off waivers from the Jacksonville Jaguars on Wednesday, filling a need for depth at the position.
Rourke appeared in three games for Jacksonville over the course of the preseason. He threw for 348 yards and one touchdown with no interceptions. He was released by the Jaguars during roster cuts and spent time on both their practice squad and active roster throughout the course of the season.
He has yet to play an NFL snap, but he could have an opportunity to get snaps in New England. The Patriots only have Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe in the quarterback room, as they head into a Christmas Eve showdown with the Denver Broncos.
Rourke does have a bit of football pedigree. He won the Most Outstanding Canadian award in 2022 as a member of the BC Lions in the CFL.
“When you only have two quarterbacks at the roster, a guy sprains his ankle, you’re down to putting a receiver or a running back or somebody at quarterback,” Belichick said, via NESN.com’s Zack Cox. “But he was productive — preseason, Canada.”
Rourke certainly seems like a player that would be wise to take a flyer on. The Patriots will look to finish out the last three weeks of the season strong, starting at Denver on Sunday.
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