Canada’s Nathan Rourke to return to BC Lions

Star quarterback Nathan Rourke is returning to the CFL’s BC Lions after spending the last two seasons in the NFL.

The Lions confirmed Rourke’s return in an announcement Tuesday.

“From talking to Nathan, I know how excited he is to be back with the Lions and to get going,” Lions head coach Rick Campbell said in a statement released by the team. He also confirmed that current quarterback Vernon Adams Jr. will not be traded by the team.

The 26-year-old Rourke, from Victoria, was the CFL’s outstanding Canadian in 2022 after completing 78.7 per cent of his passes for 3,349 yards and 25 touchdowns over 10 regular-season contests.

He also ran for 304 yards and seven TDs despite missing time with a foot injury.

Rourke signed with the NFL’s Jacksonville Jaguars after the 2022 season and also spent time with the New England Patriots, New York Giants and Atlanta before being cut by the Falcons on Sunday.

The Lions (5-4) got off to a great start this year with Vernon Adams Jr. under centre but have lost three straight. Adams sustained a right knee injury in a 25-0 loss to Winnipeg on Aug. 1 and missed the Lions’ 33-16 loss to Edmonton on Sunday.

–With files from Sportsnet