B.C. Lions’ quarterback Nathan Rourke requires ‘further evaluation’ on injured right foot

Photo courtesy: Scott Grant/CFLPhotoArchive.com

The B.C. Lions have provided an official statement on the status of injured quarterback Nathan Rourke, indicating that the club has not yet been able to identify the nature of his injury.

“Lions quarterback Nathan Rourke was examined by team doctors this morning. It has been determined that further evaluation is needed on his right foot injury, which he suffered during Friday’s win in Saskatchewan. The club will update his status when available.”

Rourke was forced to leave the field on Friday night after being sacked by Saskatchewan Roughriders’ defensive end Pete Robertson.

The quarterback’s lower right leg was twisted while being brought to the ground deep in B.C. territory. He was helped off the field without putting any weight on the leg and B.C.’s training staff removed his shoe to assess his foot after he reached the bench.

The second-year passer completed 22-of-31 pass attempts for 375 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions through just over three quarters of work against Saskatchewan. He also ran the ball three times for 63 yards, as his team one 28-10.

Rourke has quickly become the front-runner to win Most Outstanding Player this year after completing 80.1 percent of his passes for 2,906 yards, 23 touchdowns, and eight interceptions through his first eight games of the season.

Fellow Canadian quarterback Michael O’Connor replaced Rourke under centre and would be the first in line to start next week.