On Friday night, the BC Lions defeated the Saskatchewan Roughriders 28-10, but it was a costly triumph since Nathan Rourke, the starting quarterback, suffered a foot injury early in the fourth quarter.
When Riders defensive lineman Pete Robertson sacked Rourke, Rourke sustained the injuries.
After receiving care from the Lions training staff, the 24-year-old needed help getting off the field from two teammates.
When Rourke left the field at the conclusion of the game, he was wearing a walking boot. The Canadian, a first-year starter, is now a potential candidate for CFL Most Outstanding Player.
“We just won’t know (the extent of the injuries) until he undergoes additional testing. There are numerous possible outcomes, and we’ll learn as soon as we can, “After the game, Lions head coach Rick Campbell remarked.
Rourke increased the Lions’ record to 8-1 and extended their winning streak to five games by completing 22 of 31 passes for 375 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions.
In addition, he gained 63 yards on the ground on three carries, including a 36-yard run in the third quarter that paved the way for a Bryan Burnham touchdown reception of 11 yards.
BC Lions
With a first-half passing performance of 16 of 22 for 285 yards and one score, Rourke set the tone for the Lions. He also had both of his interceptions in the first half.
With 1:58 remaining in the first half, Rourke connected with Lucky Whitehead for a 90-yard touchdown, giving the Lions a 21-3 lead after a sustained offensive effort downfield. Whitehead was able to run unimpeded on a deep route because three Saskatchewan defenders were concentrated on a short curl pass by B.C. receiver Bryan Burnham.
Anthony Pipkin, the Lions’ backup quarterback, added two touchdowns by running the ball. Rourke’s replacement, QB Michael O’Connor, completed 5-of-5 passes for 36 yards.
Before Riders head coach Craig Dickenson pulled Saskatchewan quarterback Cody Fajardo in the second quarter, he completed 8 of 13 passes for 41 yards and two interceptions.
In stead of Fajardo, who has been dealing with a knee ailment, the Riders were led down the field by backup Mason Fine, who connected with Justin McInnis for a four-yard touchdown throw on his first drive. On the drive, Fine completed three of four throws for 47 yards.
In his first extended game of the season, Fine completed 16 of his 26 passes for 210 yards and one touchdown. Also, he was once intercepted.
Derrick Moncrief and Larry Dean both made interceptions for the Riders. Robertson recorded his eighth season sack after making his way back into the Riders’ lineup on July 8 following a foot ailment.
McInnis scored one touchdown and had six receptions for 111 yards.
Marcus Sayles, Ben Hladik, and ex-Rider Loucheiz Purifoy all recorded interceptions for the Lions. For British Columbia, David Menard and Oburn Gwacham both got two sacks.
