Texans forced to go to plan B after Patriots win waivers battle

The New England Patriots have taken a hit to their quarterback room in the past few weeks, so they needed to add some additional depth. 

And they turn to Nathan Rourke. 

However, another team also reportedly expressed interest in the quarterback. 

With C.J. Stroud still in concussion protocol, the Houston Texans were also in need of another quarterback. So they put in a claim for Rourke. 

But the Patriots had higher priority and were able to claim him. 

So the Texans were forced to turn to plan B.  

With Rourke no longer available, Houston signed former Jets quarterback Tim Boyle to the practice squad one day later, multiple sources reported. 

Rourke began his career in the Canadian Football League with the BC Lions. His first opportunity in the NFL came in May 2021 when he tried out for the New York Giants at wide receiver. However he remained in the CFL.

In 2022, Rourke had a breakout season, being named the CFL Most Outstanding Canadian. Because of that, NFL teams showed interest and he worked out for seven different teams.

In January, Rourke ultimately signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars and was a star in the preseason. The Jaguars opted to waive him as part of final roster cuts, but signed him to the practice squad right after.

He has been up and down between the active roster and practice squad, but was last released on Dec. 16.

And now he's in New England. 

As for Boyle, the quarterback heads to a warmer climate after being released from the Jets on Dec. 5.