FOXBORO — New Patriots quarterback Nathan Rourke is attempting to be taught what the remainder of his teammates have digested over the past 5 months in simply three weeks.
It’s a troublesome job for the previous CFL quarterback, however he’s additionally simply pleased to be on an NFL roster. Rourke went undrafted out of Ohio in 2020 and spent three seasons within the CFL earlier than touchdown with the Jaguars this season. He began the season on the apply squad earlier than signing to the 53-man roster in October. When the Jaguars waived him on Saturday, the Patriots jumped on the alternative to assert him Monday.
Rourke mentioned he was “a little bit surprised” to be claimed by the Patriots.
“But that’s how things work,” Rourke mentioned. “I think just being part of the league, people leave and find new places all of the time. The role I was in, you knew it was possible. Definitely a little bit surprised but glad it happened and excited for this opportunity.”
It’s definitely getting Rourke out of his consolation zone. If he had cleared waivers — that wouldn’t have occurred even when the Patriots didn’t land him; the Texans put in a declare, as nicely — then he doubtless was headed again to the Jaguars’ apply squad. He knew Trevor Lawrence was the starter and that C.J. Beathard was the backup. An exclusive-rights free agent after the season, he doubtless would have entered subsequent offseason because the Jaguars’ third-stringer.
Now the Patriots, who don’t have a franchise quarterback like Lawrence, maintain his unique rights this offseason. And they may have a brand new regime and quarterbacks in place subsequent season, as nicely.
“Yeah, it’s cool,” Rourke mentioned about touchdown on one other 53-man roster. “It’s an interesting situation to be in. You don’t necessarily — I think when I was in Jacksonville, it was pretty clear what the plan was. And I think the plan here is a little bit more unclear. I definitely am appreciative and grateful of whatever stock they put in me. A couple years ago, no teams were giving me any kind of attention. But to be here is great. Kind of part of the job is just to roll with things. So, that’s what I’m trying to do.”
Rourke mentioned he was referring to each the short-term and long-term plan.
Rourke, who grew up in Ontario and performed one 12 months of highschool soccer within the states in Alabama, definitely appeared to know the historical past of the Patriots’ franchise. He performed one 12 months of junior faculty earlier than transferring to Ohio, the place he began for 3 seasons. He performed for the BC Lions in 2021 and 2022 and received the CFL Most Outstanding Canadian Award final season earlier than shifting on to the NFL.
“Yeah, I’m honored,” Rourke mentioned about being a Patriot. “It’s a great organization. I’ve got a lot of respect for this team and obviously for Coach Belichick and Coach O’Brien. It’s been pretty cool to be here so far.”
Grasping the system would be the most tough facet for Rourke, however he mentioned he’s been getting assist from fellow quarterbacks Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe, who he’s already seen have an identical love for soccer.
“It’s been a lot,” Rourke mentioned about studying offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien’s offense. “I believe soccer’s soccer to a sure extent however simply studying the language this far into it has been tough, however I don’t put it previous myself to be choose it up. Doing my finest, and the blokes are supporting me as finest as attainable.
“You just have to piece it together and figure out how they do things and kind of assimilate.”
One workforce supply appreciated Rourke’s playmaking and processing means in his varied stops earlier than the Patriots claimed him.
Source: www.bostonherald.com