BC Lions quarterback Nathan Rourke exited Friday’s game against the Edmonton Elks early with an apparent shoulder injury, according to TSN’s Farhan Lalji.
The injury occurred on the second play of the game in the first quarter when Rourke was sacked by Elks defensive lineman Noah Taylor.
Backup quarterback Chase Brice entered the game in relief with Rourke unable to return to the game..
The 28-year-old pivot is fifth in the CFL this season with 1,399 passing yards and tied for eighth with five touchdown passes through the first six weeks of the season.
If Rourke’s injury is long-term, he will be the third starting quarterback to miss time this season after Winnipeg Blue Bombers’ quarterback Zach Collaros and Hamilton Tiger-Cats pivot Bo Levi Mitchell have both missed time due to injuries sustained in Week 5.
Rourke, the CFL’s reigning Most Outstanding Player, threw for 5,290 passing yards last season with 31 touchdowns and 16 interceptions.
He is also a two-time winner of the CFL Most Outstanding Canadian award, taking home the trophy in 2022 and 2025.
The Victoria, B.C., native is in his fifth CFL season and has 12,577 passing yards with 68 touchdowns and 44 interceptions.
Rourke missed the 2023 CFL season after he attempted to make the jump to the NFL, but returned to the league midway through the 2024 campaign.
