Canadian quarterback Nathan Rourke signs with NFL’s Atlanta Falcons

ATLANTA — Nathan Rourke is making another attempt at the NFL.

Less than a week after being cut by the New York Giants, the Canadian quarterback signed with the Atlanta Falcons on Thursday.

However, the 26-year-old from Victoria will face a tough challenge as he joins a roster that includes free-agent Kirk Cousins, first-round pick Michael Penix Jr. and Taylor Heinicke.

New York claimed Rourke off waivers on May 7, but he didn’t see much action during the Giants’ first week of training camp before being released.

Rourke finished last season with New England, sitting out two games before appearing as a reserve in the Patriots’ season finale against the New York Jets on January 7.

New England placed Rourke, who was cut by the Giants on Sunday, on waivers after selecting two quarterbacks in the 2024 NFL draft, including Drake Maye in the first round.

Rourke originally signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars after two seasons with the CFL’s BC Lions.

The 6-foot-1, 205-pound pivot was named the league’s best Canadian prospect in 2022 after completing 78.7 percent of his passes for 3,349 yards and 25 touchdowns in 10 regular-season games.

He also ran for 304 yards (7.8 yards average) and scored seven touchdowns despite missing time due to an injury to Lisfranc.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published August 1, 2024.

The Canadian Press