Nathan Rourke injured in second BC Lions game of the season
It was a less-than-ideal second game of the season for the BC Lions in Winnipeg.
After an impressive first outing, following Snoop Dogg at their home opener at BC Place, the Lions lost 34-20 to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers Thursday night.
But an even bigger loss was star quarterback Nathan Rourke.
The 27-year-old QB went down with a non-contact injury in the fourth quarter.
It’s reportedly an oblique injury, per 3DownNation.
“I’m not sure exactly what it is, so I won’t speculate, but it was affecting the way I was throwing it,” Rourke told reporters post-game. “It was better for the team if I took myself out at that point, because I wasn’t able to generate enough power on the ball.”
Rourke completed just 12 of 27 passes for 249 yards, with one passing touchdown and an interception. He also ran for 58 yards on six carries, which included a rushing touchdown.
The Canadian QB was the CFL’s offensive player of the week in Week 1, completing 27 of 36 passes for 324 yards and three touchdowns.
Rourke said he was “optimistic” about playing in the Lions’ next game, a June 21 rematch against the Blue Bombers at BC Place.
If Rourke isn’t ready, the Lions will turn to veteran backup quarterback Jeremiah Masoli, who completed seven of 10 passes for 84 yards and one interception in Winnipeg.