Former Patriots Quarterback Already Cut in Training Camp
By Jovan Alford
Many New England Patriots fans may not remember the name Nathan Rourke, but he was with the team last season. Rourke was the third quarterback on the Pats’ roster after spending most of the 2023 campaign with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Rourke didn't see any playing time during the last month of the 2023 season, despite the Patriots benching Mac Jones for Bailey Zappe.
However, the former CFL star saw his time with the team end abruptly, along with Jones as New England revamped their quarterback room this offseason. Rourke was released in May and immediately signed by the New York Giants.
Rourke couldn’t move up the depth chart with New York and was released on Sunday, per ESPN’s Jordan Raanan. The former Pats quarterback has struggled to find his footing in the NFL after having an outstanding 2022 season in the CFL.
The #Giants released QB Nathan Rourke.
— Jordan Raanan (@JordanRaanan) July 28, 2024
TE Theo Johnson (hip) is coming off PUP and will return to practice.
S Tyler Nubin (calf) will remain out.
With Rourke getting cut by the Giants and going unclaimed on waivers, there was a belief that he would head back to the CFL. But Rourke isn’t ready to give up on his NFL dream yet.
TSN’s Dave Naylor reported Monday evening that Rourke will work out with the Atlanta Falcons on Wednesday. Naylor adds that the Falcons put in a waiver claim for Rourke in the spring after he was released from the Patriots, but lost out to the Giants.
Nathan Rourke is flying to Atlanta Tuesday for a Wednesday workout with the @AtlantaFalcons. Atlanta put in a waiver claim for him back in the spring but lost-out to the @Giants. #NFL
— Dave Naylor (@TSNDaveNaylor) July 29, 2024
The Falcons have four quarterbacks on their training camp roster, which is not ideal for Rourke’s chances of making the 53-man roster. However, the former CFL standout showed he could be a quality QB3 with the Pats and possibly do the same in Atlanta.
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