Canadian quarterback Nathan Rourke has been cut from an NFL training camp roster for the second time this year.
The Atlanta Falcons released Rourke on Sunday, just 10 days after he signed with the team.
Rourke joined the Falcons on Aug. 1, less than a week after he was cut by the New York Giants.
New York claimed Rourke off waivers May 7, but he didn’t see much action during the first week of camp.
The 26-year-old from Victoria finished last season with New England. He was inactive for two games before dressing as a backup in the Patriots regular-season finale versus the New York Jets on Jan. 7.
Rourke originally signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars following two seasons with the CFL’s B.C. Lions.
The six-foot-two, 209 pound pivot was named the league’s top Canadian in 2022 after completing 78.7 per cent of his passes for 3,349 yards and 25 TDs over 10 regular-season contests.
He also ran for 304 yards (7.8-yard average) and seven TDs despite missing time with a Lisfranc injury.
The Atlanta Falcons made headlines recently when they announced that they had released Canadian quarterback Nathan Rourke. Rourke, who hails from Oakville, Ontario, had signed with the Falcons as an undrafted free agent earlier this year.
The decision to release Rourke came as a surprise to many, as he had shown promise during his time with the team. Rourke, who played college football at Ohio University, was known for his dual-threat abilities as a quarterback. He was a dynamic player who could make plays with both his arm and his legs, making him a valuable asset to any team.
However, despite his potential, Rourke was unable to secure a spot on the Falcons’ roster. The team already had a crowded quarterback room, with veteran Matt Ryan leading the way and promising young quarterback AJ McCarron serving as his backup. With limited opportunities to showcase his skills, Rourke ultimately found himself on the outside looking in.
While being released by an NFL team is undoubtedly disappointing, Rourke’s journey is far from over. Many players have found success in the league after being cut by their first team, and Rourke could very well follow in their footsteps. He has the talent and work ethic to succeed at the highest level, and it would not be surprising to see him land on another team in the near future.
In the meantime, Rourke will have to continue to work hard and stay ready for any opportunities that may come his way. Whether it’s in the NFL or elsewhere, there is no doubt that he has a bright future ahead of him. Fans of Rourke will undoubtedly be rooting for him as he continues his football journey.