The New England Patriots claimed Canadian quarterback Nathan Rourke off waivers from the Jacksonville Jaguars on Monday, a source told NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.
The Jaguars waived Rourke on Saturday before the team’s 23-7 loss to the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday night. It was the third time this season he was waived by Jacksonville.
Earlier Monday, the Los Angeles Chargers signed Will Grier off the Patriots’ practice squad.
Rourke was signed to the Jaguars’ 53-man roster for a 31-27 Week 14 loss to the Cleveland Browns, as the team took advantage of the NFL’s new emergency third quarterback rule in the wake of injuries to starter Trevor Lawrence and backup C.J. Beathard.
The Patriots started the season with 2021 first-round pick Mac Jones under centre, but due to poor performance the team opted to bench Jones and start backup Bailey Zappe for the last three contests.
Rourke previously played for the CFL’s B.C. Lions 2021 and 2022, earning the Most Outstanding Canadian award in 2022. He broke the league’s single-season pass completion record that year, converting on 78.7 per cent of his 324 attempts.