FOXBORO — The Patriots wanted depth at quarterback after shedding quarterbacks off of their follow squad in consecutive weeks, so that they used their 3-11 document to their benefit.
The Patriots claimed quarterback Nathan Rourke off waivers from the Jaguars on Monday. The 8-6 Texans additionally put in a declare for Rourke, per ESPN, however the Patriots had a better waiver precedence due to their document.
The Ravens signed quarterback Malik Cunningham off of the Patriots’ follow squad and onto their 53-man roster final week. The Chargers signed QB Will Grier off of the Patriots’ follow squad and onto their 53-man roster Monday morning.
“Yeah, just the depth at that position,” Belichick stated Wednesday when requested why the Patriots needed to work with Rourke. “So, when you only have two quarterbacks on the roster, guy sprains his ankle you’re down to putting a receiver or running back or somebody at quarterback. But he was productive in preseason and Canada.”
Rourke was born in Victoria, British Columbia, and performed one yr of highschool soccer within the United States in Alabama. He started his faculty profession at Fort Scott (Kansas) Community College earlier than transferring to Ohio, the place he was a three-year starter.
Rourke went undrafted within the 2020 NFL Draft however was a second-round choose within the 2020 CFL Draft. He spent three years with the BC Lions earlier than signing with the Jaguars in January.
He started the 2023 season on the follow squad however was signed to the 53-man roster in October. He was waived Dec. 16.
Rourke was productive as a passer and runner in faculty, within the CFL and within the preseason. He rushed for over 3,000 yards with 49 touchdowns in faculty whereas tossing 60 touchdowns and 20 interceptions. He accomplished 78.7 % of his passes within the CFL in 2022 whereas profitable the CFL Most Outstanding Canadian Award. In the preseason, Rourke went 23-of-35 for 348 yards with one landing in three preseason video games this summer season.
Source: www.bostonherald.com