The Bucs labored out eight gamers on the group facility, together with Canadian Soccer League star quarterback Nathan Rourke, in line with NFL insider Aaron Wilson.
#Buccaneers labored out Dominique Dafney, Azur Kamara, Elijah Ponder, Hamilcar, Rashed, Wyatt Ray,, Nathan Rourke, Kian Schaffer-Baker, Aaron Shampklin
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) December 14, 2022
In his first yr as starter this season, Rourke handed for 3,349 yards with 25 touchdowns and 10 interceptions in 10 regular-season video games for British Columbia. Rourke additionally proved to be a twin menace, dashing 304 yards with seven touchdowns.
B.C. QB Nathan Rourke – Picture by: USA Immediately
The 6-foot-2, 209-pound Rourke suffered a foot harm that required surgical procedure in mid-August and missed eight video games, however he returned for the ultimate sport of the common season. The B.C. Lions (12-6) made the playoffs for the primary time since 2018 and beat the Calgary Stampeders, 30-16, within the west semifinal earlier than falling 28-20 to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers within the west last on Sunday.
Rourke performed collegiately at Ohio the place he accomplished 58.7% of his passes for 7,457 yards with 60 touchdowns and 20 interceptions as a three-year starter. He’s seen as a backup quarterback or a No. 3 QB within the league by NFL evaluators. Rourke, who’s a Canadian and gained the CFL’s Most Excellent Canadian Award this yr, is anticipated to fulfill with different NFL groups, and met with the Colts on Monday.
Kyle Trask, the Bucs’ 2021 second-round decide, is the one quarterback below contract subsequent yr. Bucs veterans Tom Brady, Blaine Gabbert and Ryan Griffin are all slated to be free brokers in 2023.
Bucs Labored Out 7 Different Gamers
The Bucs additionally labored out vast receiver Kian Schaffer-Baker, working again Aaron Shampklin, outdoors linebackers Hamilcar Rashed, Wyatt Ray, Azur Kamara and Elijah Ponder, and tight finish Dominique Dafney. Ponder spent final yr on the apply squad and went to coaching camp and the preseason with the Bucs this previous August.
The Bucs waived inside linebacker Olakunle Fatukasi, creating an open roster spot. It’s anticipated that rookie receiver/return specialist Deven Thompkins could be signed from the apply squad to the energetic roster to fill that emptiness.