Nathan Rourke, BC Lions aim to get in gear vs. Redblacks

Field Level Media|published: Fri 23rd August, 11:37 2024

Aug 9, 2024; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Nathan Rourke (16) runs with the football against the Miami Dolphins during the fourth quarter at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports

Rusty quarterback Nathan Rourke will look to help the BC Lions snap a four-game skid Saturday night when they visit an Ottawa Redblacks squad that hasn't lost since July 5.

Rourke, the 2022 CFL Most Outstanding Canadian, played his first contest in the league in nearly two years last Sunday after bouncing around the NFL. He completed 8 of 25 passes for 126 yards with no touchdowns and two interceptions in a 20-11 home loss to Winnipeg.

"We've just got to get our mojo back in the pass game," Lions coach Rick Campbell said, per TSN. "And when we do, we'll be on the right side of the scoreboard in these games."

Campbell said his struggling Lions (5-5) will stick with Rourke against an Ottawa defense that has only surrendered nine touchdown passes through nine games. Veteran starting quarterback Vernon Adams Jr. (knee) remains out.

"It takes a quarterback a little time to get in that groove," Lions receiver Alexander Hollins said. "He's working daily, and we're working with him, and he's going to continue to get better and better."

Both teams entered the week in second place in their respective divisions. Ottawa and B.C. will square off again in Vancouver next weekend.

The Redblacks (6-2-1) extended their unbeaten streak to five games (4-0-1) with a 31-29 victory at Calgary on Aug. 15. Jeremiah Masoli was 27-of-35 passing for 254 yards and a TD and Ryquell Armstead rushed 11 times for 120 yards and a score.

Armstead entered this week ranked fourth in the league with 547 rushing yards. The 27-year-old CFL newcomer was a fifth-round pick by the NFL's Jacksonville Jaguars in 2019 and played for the XFL's DC Defenders in 2023.

"My play this year came from last year, that's when it started," Armstead told the Ottawa Citizen. "I worked out back home to enhance my game. I was able to build myself up into an all-around player.

"I'm playing with some dogs, we're playing as one on offense."

There could be plenty of offense Saturday night if it's anything like the most recent meeting between the teams. The Lions rallied from 19 points down in the final two minutes for a 41-37 win on Sept. 16, 2023, in Vancouver.

--Field Level Media

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