Nathan Rourke doesn’t contemplate a big vision before the BC Lions return. While recovering from surgery, Nathan Rourke could scarcely think about the sport that has consumed his life since he was a youngster.
The B.C. The lion’s quarterback said he tried to forget about football by spending time with friends and family.
My Buddy Lived with Me The First Two Weeks
My partner stayed with me for the first week and a half, which was great. When I didn’t want to think, I watched a lot on the internet. I watched movies.
This uncommon insight into the humanity of a young player who has earned near-mythic status in his first season as a starter. Even Canada’s next great quarterback has bad days; he handles them differently.
Instead of binge-watching forever, Rourke got out. After foot surgery, he turned to the water to maintain his cardio. Swimming is a medically-approved exemption to rest.
Rourke was ahead of many armchair doctors’ recovery timelines at every level. Now, nine weeks post-op, he’s set to play his first game since August 19 — a miraculous return from a medical diagnosis that generally demands three-to-six months of rehab.
All the world’s streaming providers combined couldn’t give Rourke enough material.
When asked whether he’d seen anything wonderful while sidelined, he smiled. “There’s trash everywhere.”
Given his harsh film reviews, Rourke is unlikely to reveal what kept him engaged during those miserable days. Teammates have shared what movie hero they think he’s become.
Top receiver Dominique Rhymes enthused, “It’s like you don’t even notice a limp on him” “He’s like Superman.” He’s unique.”
The Lions’ native gunslinger has been compared to Superman’s alter ego more than once this season, and it’s not for the first time. Despite just playing nine games, Rourke leads the CFL in completion % (79.2), is second in throwing touchdowns (25), and is seventh in yards (3,281) despite being on track to smash a slew of CFL records before his injury.
The whole CFL playoff picture is watching impatiently to see whether the weeks off rehabilitating have allowed any rust to build up on Rourke’s golden throwing arm during the otherwise meaningless Week 21 slate.
In Preparation for Next Sunday’s West Semifinal At BC Place
In preparation for the Lions’ West Semi-Final game against the Seattle Seahawks two Sundays from now at BC Place, Rourke will start Friday night against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and play around a quarter of the action.
We could simply let him play in the playoff game as we’ve discussed doing over the past few weeks, but the thing is that he’ll feel better coming back out there and having some live action and just getting back to it, Lions head coach Rick Campbell said.
We’ll get him in there, have him put in some work, and then decide where to go from there.
Rourke agrees, calling the opportunity to test out his damaged foot in the season’s last game a “plus” for his recuperation.
Those who have seen him in rehearsals anticipate that the quarterback will be just as effective an offensive weapon in the preseason playoff game as he was before his operation.
Receiving ace Lucky Whitehead, who is also coming back from injury this week, said, “He’s taken up where he left off.” He still makes good choices and has the same impressive arm power. If he picks up right where he left off, I have no doubt he’ll feel at home.
Rourke, true to form, is not making any such bold assertions.
He openly acknowledges that he is not yet running at full capacity and is intent on ensuring that any lingering discomfort does not compromise his refined mechanics, going so far as to invite his offseason trainer, renowned kinesiologist Rob Williams, to observe practice in preparation for his return.
“Physically, I’m not there yet,” he said. “I felt lucky that Rob was there today to assist me and give me a second viewpoint.”
This Week Is Crucial Because I Think That Reps Will Be Helpful
This week is significant because I believe reps will help. Playing in the game and preparing for the playoff game will be key.
It won’t be his only change. The dual-threat quarterback can maneuver the pocket and escape, but he won’t be the same player who ran for 304 yards and seven scores early in the season.
Rourke: “I’m not doing quarterback runs.”
Some consider that a red sign. Rourke’s comeback boosts the Lions’ Grey Cup prospects, but supporters will be holding their breath with the potential of re-injury following a hasty return.
The quarterback is taking a big risk by returning so quickly, considering the impact a setback would have on his NFL future. He seems aware of the delicate balance between short-term and long-term success but is determined to ignore it.
“I’m just taking it day by day,” Rourke said. “That’s how I’ve approached this season: not too far ahead. If I can accomplish something today, I don’t believe it will harm to do more. I know the line, though.”
“That’s what I’m trying to achieve for the football squad.”
Finishing Line
The Lions appreciate their leader’s teamwork. Since Rourke’s injury, they’ve fought to stay competitive and clinch the second West Division seed, hoping for a miracle. Their superhuman signal-caller worked hard to acquire them one, and they won’t waste it.
Rhymes: “Just to see him smile feels fantastic since he worked so hard.”
When he’s out there and tosses me the ball, I’ll do anything I can to make a play for him.