QB Nathan Rourke returns to lead Lions against Alouettes

Field Level Media|published: Fri 4th July, 12:52 2025

Jun 7, 2025; Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; BC Lions quarterback Nathan Rourke (12) warms up prior to the game against the Edmonton Elks at BC Place Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-Imagn Images

Quarterback Nathan Rourke will return from a two-game absence due to an oblique injury when he guides the BC Lions into Montreal to face the Alouettes on Saturday.

Rourke got off to a fast start by throwing for 573 yards and four touchdowns while adding 11 carries for 112 yards in two games. Unfortunately for the Lions (1-3), they followed a 1-1 start by losing both games with "Kid Canada" on the sideline and backup Jeremiah Masoli under center.

"Nathan will start for us. Nathan will go," Lions head coach Buck Pierce said Thursday. "He's looked good all week. He's responded better each and every day (in practice), which is the positive thing."

While Rourke is returning, Montreal (3-1) will be without quarterback Davis Alexander for second straight week due to a left hamstring injury.

McLeod Bethel-Thompson will get the nod after completing 24 of 41 passes for 203 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions in the Alouettes' 35-17 loss last Sunday at Hamilton. The 37-year-old also mishandled a late-game snap that turned into a touchdown for the Tiger-Cats.

"That was a night I wish hadn't happened," Bethel-Thompson said, per the Montreal Gazette. "I'll take the good from it and know there's better football ahead to be played. I'm excited to show what I can do; what we can do as an offense. When we put it all together we're very, very dangerous.

"I was frustrated (against Hamilton). Any time you have an offensive performance like that you're going to be frustrated. I wasn't happy with that, wasn't happy with my performance. Our performance. It's never fun to lose. You put the work in and trust the bounces will go your way. I'll have to come back with a bigger and stronger mindset."

Alouettes head coach Jason Maas said Alexander likely will be back after the team returns from a bye week to host the Toronto Argonauts on July 17.

Montreal signed veteran wide receiver Alexander Hollins on Tuesday. He was released by the Edmonton Elks and previously spent three seasons with the Lions, including a stellar campaign as a CFL West All-Star in 2023.

--Field Level Media