The Jacksonville Jaguars have promoted Canadian quarterback Nathan Rourke to the active roster ahead of Thursday’s game against the New Orleans Saints.
Franchise quarterback Trevor Lawrence injured his knee on the final play of Jacksonville’s second-last drive against the Indianapolis Colts this past weekend and has since been considered day-to-day. Veteran backup C. J. Beathard took the field for the club’s final drive, kneeling on three consecutive plays to secure the 37-20 victory.
Rourke spent the first six weeks of the NFL season on the practice roster after being waived by the Jaguars following training camp. During the preseason, he completed 65.7 percent of his passes for 348 yards, one touchdown, and zero interceptions and rushed 14 times for 39 yards and one touchdown. If Lawrence is unable to play on Thursday, Rourke is expected to dress as the team’s primary backup behind Beathard.
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The native of Victoria, B.C. threw for 3,349 yards, 25 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions and rushed for 304 yards and seven touchdowns over 10 games with the B.C. Lions in 2022. He was the first quarterback to be named the CFL’s Most Outstanding Canadian since 1980 and helped the Lions reach the West Final despite playing with a lingering foot injury.
Lawrence has completed 67.1 percent of his passes for 1,439 yards, seven touchdowns, and four interceptions this season along with 33 carries for 147 yards. The Jaguars have won three straight games to lead the AFC South with a 4-2 record.
The Jaguars are scheduled to visit the New Orleans Saints on Thursday, Oct. 19 with kickoff slated for 8:15 p.m. EDT.
