The Indianapolis Colts are still searching for a quarterback of the future, and that could be why the team recently worked out another quarterback.
Entering this season, the hope was that the Indianapolis Colts would have some stability at the quarterback position at least for a couple of seasons. Bringing in Matt Ryan with two years remaining on his contract, the plan was for him to at least start two seasons. Now, after an underwhelming year for the Colts and Ryan, there’s no telling who will be Indy’s starter next season. However, Indy is already at work trying to figure it out.
On Monday, the Colts worked out quarterback Nathan Rourke. Rourke is somewhat of an unfamiliar name in the NFL because he hasn’t played in the league yet. However, he is a star quarterback in the CFL and his talent and youth are intriguing to several NFL teams. After working out with Indianapolis on Monday, Rourke recently worked out with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Colts workout CFL quarterback Nathan Rourke
Rourke, who is from Canada, played football in Ontario until he transferred to Edgewood Academy in Alabama for his senior season of high school. From there, Rouke went to Fort Scott Community College, the same school that many NFL players like Lavonte David and Jason Pierre-Paul made a stop at. Rourke would be there for just one season before moving on to the Ohio Bobcats.
With Ohio, Rourke played 39 games over three seasons and threw for 7,457 yards, 60 touchdowns, and 20 interceptions. He also was a big part of the rushing attack, picking up an additional 2,634 yards and 49 touchdowns with his legs. Despite being an exciting athlete, Rourke didn’t receive much NFL interest, only having a tryout with the New York Giants as a wide receiver in 2021.
He was drafted by the BC Lions into the CFL though and has had two impressive seasons. In the 2022 season, Nathan Rourke only played in 10 of the 18 regular season games but he still completed 79% of his passes for 3,349 yards, 25 touchdowns, and just 10 interceptions. He also ran for an additional 304 yards and seven touchdowns. The stats earned Rourke the CFL’s Most Outstanding Canadian award.
Since wrapping up the season, Rourke has been visiting NFL teams like the Colts. Indianapolis already has three quarterbacks on the roster: Ryan, Nick Foles, and Sam Ehlinger, however, it’s clear that they aren’t the future of the franchise. With just four weeks remaining in the season, the Colts are unlikely to add another quarterback but it didn’t hurt the team to get a better look at what Nathan Rourke can do. If Indy was impressed, Rourke may be added to the offseason roster and get a chance to compete.
Should the Colts go after Jordan Love if he requests a trade from the Packers?
Jordan Love could reportedly request a trade from the Green Bay Packers after the season. If he does, should the Indianapolis Colts target him?