It seems inevitable at this point that Nathan Rourke will be waived by the Jacksonville Jaguars next week when the team cuts its roster down from 90 players to 53.
Despite a stellar preseason for Rourke, which included an incredible touchdown against the Detroit Lions, Jaguars coaches are sticking with C.J. Beathard as their backup quarterback. When asked Wednesday about the possibility of keeping three quarterbacks on the roster, Jaguars offensive coordinator Press Taylor said it wasn’t particularly necessary if the top two passers on the depth chart are healthy.
“You take into account the health of your quarterbacks at the moment,” Taylor said. “If you had one that was going in maybe injured a little bit and would be a little more likely to reinjure something like that, maybe then the value would be having another one. It’s one of those situations where you don’t need it until you need it.”
If this really is the last week for Rourke in Jacksonville, he’ll go out having earned the respect of his teammates in Duval.
“The great Canadian,” Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence said of Rourke on Wednesday. “He’s done a great job. The guy works really hard. … He’s had some great plays and that’s what you got to do, the guy is looking to stick in the league and get a spot.
“I think he’s played really well, and it’s been impressive to watch him work. Everyday he’s like that in practice, too, just really committed and works super hard. I know the guys have a lot of respect for him.”
Rourke, 25, has completed 19 of 29 passes for 274 yards with one touchdown and no interceptions through two preseason games. With Jaguars starters expected to play the entire first half on Saturday against the Miami Dolphins, Taylor said it’s possible Rourke won’t take any snaps in the preseason finale.
The Jaguars could add Rourke to their practice squad, but only if the quarterback first clears the waiver wire without getting claimed by another NFL team.
Prior to joining the Jaguars in January, Rourke played two seasons with the B.C. Lions of the Canadian Football League. In 2022, he earned the league’s Most Outstanding Canadian award.
