Just two days ago, Jaguars quarterback Nathan Rourke was informed that he didn't make the team's 53-man roster and consequently was released from Jacksonville.

Today, the Jaguars brought Rourke back by signing him to the team's practice squad.

Rourke was a preseason fan-favorite not only by Jags fans but also by fans all across the NFL. He wasted no time earning their respect either. In his first NFL game, Rourke made the play of the preseason, as he evaded sacks from four different defenders and threw a perfect touchdown pass as he was being tackled.

?Watch: Jaguars QB Nathan Rourke doesn't give up throwing for an incredible Touchdown.pic.twitter.com/xhAll19oUM

— The Calvin Coolidge Project (@TheCalvinCooli1) August 13, 2023

Rourke finished the preseason 23-for-35 for 348 yards and one touchdown. He also ran for 39 yards and one touchdown. Not only that, he was the 4th highest-graded QB in the preseason to be cut.

Highest Graded QBs in the '23 preseason who were cut

Jake Fromm – 85.0
John Wolford – 85.0
Nathan Peterman – 80.8
Nathan Rourke – 78.7
Tommy DeVito – 70.1

— Louie Benjamin (@louieb77) August 30, 2023

Despite Rourke's stellar performance this preseason, Jaguars' head coach Doug Pederson was adamant that there was no QB competition between Rourke and C.J. Beathard. "C.J. is our number two, and obviously, Trevor is our number one," Pederson stated before the Jaguars even played their final preseason game.

In the end, everyone's happy. Doug Pederson maneuvers his way into keeping two talented QBs behind Trevor Lawrence, Jaguars fans can continue to root for Rourke, and Rourke has a job, another opportunity to prove himself, and maybe most importantly, a chip on his shoulder.

In light of the NFL's new bylaw, The Jags could elevate Rourke to the active roster on gamedays without putting him on the 53-man roster. Pederson is playing chess, not checkers. 

Despite this, the Jags have to be aware that given Rourke's promising preseason and league-wide injuries to the QB position, teams could snag Rourke off of the Jags' practice squad and sign him to their 53.

NFL indefinitely bans Jaguars player from football

For good reason, too.

Featured image via: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports