Canadian star quarterback Kurtis Rourke exited Ohio's NCAA season opener against host San Diego State in the final minutes of first quarter on Saturday after he was sacked on a blitz, but his coach is optimistic it's not serious.
Reporters said he jogged off the field before heading to the locker-room.
Rourke was replaced by C.J. Harris after completing eight of 10 passes for 75 yards.
Harris went on to throw three interceptions in a 20-13 loss.
After the game, Ohio coach Tim Albin said the move to keep Rourke out was precautionary.
“Kurtis wanted to go back in, but we’re gonna take him back to Athens and get him checked out a little bit closer. An X-ray maybe," said Albin, who did not get into specifics on the injury. "I’m not too concerned about it at this time. He’s upset with us … we're just playing it safe and we'll just take it a day at a time.”
Rourke was limping after the hit, but Albin said he did not think it was a leg injury. Albin also said it was not the same leg he hurt after suffering a season-ending torn ACL last November.
The native of Oakville, Ont. was named the top prospect for the 2024 CFL Draft earlier this week. He also has been considered a candidate to go to the NFL.
Rourke was the Mid-American Conference player of the year last season.
Rourke is the younger brother of current Jacksonville Jaguars QB Nathan Rourke, who also went to Ohio before being named the top Canadian in the CFL last year with the B.C. Lions
