Lionbackers.com

From ESPN's play log Rourke came in with 12:12 to go. He played 4 possessions. The first 2 were 3 and outs.

First possession was hindered with 2 false starts. The first turned 2nd and 4 into 2nd and 9. After a run play gained nothing the second one turned 3rd and 9 into 3rd and 14. Rourke's 1st pass attempt was incomplete and they punted.

2nd possession went incompletion, 1 yard run play, incompletion and punt. Miami muffed the punt and ATL recovered at MIA 22.

3rd possession and ATL was playing 4 down football. 2 runs followed by a 16 yard completion got them 1st and goal at the 2. An incompletion, run play loss of 2 and 3 yard 3rd down scramble by Rourke got them back to 4th and goal from the 2. Subsequent incompletion and MIA took over.

4th possession - after MIA went 3 and out and punted. ATL got the ball back at the 50. They would drive the ball down to the MIA 6 on 9 plays including Rourke's 21 yard run before turning it over on downs one last time.

There still could be opportunities with other NFL teams but his stock is starting to take a hit.


https://3downnation.com/2024/08/11/atla ... an-rourke/

Can't imagine whoever is left in charge in Hamilton is not already on the phone.

If another NFL team shows interest and brings him in to camp, that would be the 5th O that Rourke has to learn in one year. I'll bet he is learning lots but he needs playing time.

So now I am hoping some starting NFL QBs get hurt and thus create an opportunity for Rourke.

He'll play the long game the rest of this season. If he gets no interest by the end of the NFL season then he will seriously turn his eyes back north. At this stage of training camp it's already a bit too late to expect another call. He'll have to play the injury waiting game. Either that or wait until some other QB3s or QB4s leave their teams wanting.

His chances are fading quickly. A QB injury call is by its very nature a temp position and unlikely to see any real opportunities. I'm at the point where it truly appears as if his NFL dreams, if not dead, are on life support.

Hambone wrote: Sun Aug 11, 2024 3:44 pm He'll play the long game the rest of this season. If he gets no interest by the end of the NFL season then he will seriously turn his eyes back north. At this stage of training camp it's already a bit too late to expect another call. He'll have to play the injury waiting game. Either that or wait until some other QB3s or QB4s leave their teams wanting.

I think you're right here as it sounded recently like he's married to his NFL dream regardless of the challenge.

You seem know the rules better than the average fan.

I wonder if the Lions gave him a "just checking in" call to see if he'd ask if BC has a job opening for him. Bring him in as a running back as we have limited needs there and run a bunch of RB passing plays.

Is there anyway in the Rules in th CFL that would stop BC from contracting Rourke short term during VA's absence as he sure looked to be limping on the sidelines in Edmonton? I suspect there is.

Bring him in for a short time and release him if he gets another NFL offer later in the year.

In total, the dual-threat quarterback has dressed for six regular season NFL games and earned $519,668 USD.

https://3downnation.com/2024/08/12/nath ... m-falcons/

At some point, he'll be self funding his dream.

Again, the NFL dream didn't make Streveler any better for the CFL that I've seen so far.

Three comments Toppy.

1) From comments McEvoy made not long ago I think he and Rourke's camp keep in touch regularly. They would do the same with Betts. A GM who doesn't do that is doing a lousy job.

2) If Rourke were to sign a CFL contract, even if for only the remainder of this season, he would be ineligible to play in the NFL until next season. There is clear language to that effect in the NFL CBA.

3) There is absolutely nothing stopping BC from signing Rourke. Having cleared NFL waivers he's now free to sign a contract with any pro football league on the planet. If he signed with BC he would be signing a deal that would be in effect until the 2nd Tuesday in February. 1000% guaranteed if they could get him to sign on the dotted line they would not be giving up his rights by releasing him before then. If they released him there would likely be a lineup 8 teams deep looking to claim him on waivers.

Signing Rourke now would create an awkward situation on two fronts. Firstly it would create an instant QB controversy that could tear the team apart. Secondly is the SMS situation. The good news is it would be for less than half a season cap hit. However Adams' deal is now guaranteed for the remainder of the season. The Lions can't cut themselves out of that and may find it far more difficult to trade him now than in the offseason.

Sir Purrcival wrote: Sun Aug 11, 2024 5:36 pm His chances are fading quickly. A QB injury call is by its very nature a temp position and unlikely to see any real opportunities. I'm at the point where it truly appears as if his NFL dreams, if not dead, are on life support.

Welcome to the club!

BOOM!

@CFL
2000 Most Outstanding Canadian Nathan Rourke is returning to the #BCLions.

Rourke will arrive at the club's facility for Wednesday practice with media availability to follow at 1:30 pm.

Hambone wrote: Sun Aug 11, 2024 3:44 pm He'll play the long game the rest of this season. If he gets no interest by the end of the NFL season then he will seriously turn his eyes back north. At this stage of training camp it's already a bit too late to expect another call. He'll have to play the injury waiting game. Either that or wait until some other QB3s or QB4s leave their teams wanting.

Well am I ever excited to be wrong. Now to see whatever shoes drop to make it work.

https://3downnation.com/2024/08/13/hes- ... b-c-lions/

That’s a great move for Rourke and the team, on and off the field. The Lions aren’t going anywhere with Jake Dolegala as their main backup to Vernon Adams. Rourke can slide into that role for the second half of the season while he reacquaints himself with the offence.

According to 3downnation.com, Rourke has signed a 3-year contract but Rick Campbell says the team remains committed to Vernon Adams.

https://3downnation.com/2024/08/13/hes- ... b-c-lions/

Did not see this happening! Still lots of holes to fill but you can't win without a great QB and we now have two.

One aspect is we're now talking half a season of salary impact. Could turn into the net of whatever Rourke is to receive for the rest of the season less the $41K Dolegala has left in base salary assuming he immediately gets released. If his injury is such that he's sidelined week-to-week-to-week or more 6 gaming Adams to get further relief to offset is also a possibility.

I can see them trying to keep both thru the end of this season if they can make the numbers fit. Dealing Adams would be much easier to pull off what with teams like Calgary, Edmonton, Saskatchewan having starters on expiring deals.