Canadian QB Rourke suffers foot injury as Lions defeat Roughriders for 5th straight win

The B.C. Lions picked up a costly 28-10 victory over the Saskatchewan Roughriders on Friday night as starting quarterback Nathan Rourke went down with a foot injury early in the fourth quarter.

Rourke suffered the injury when he was sacked by Riders defensive lineman Pete Robertson.

Rourke wore a walking boot when exiting the field at the end of the game. A first-year starter, the Canadian has become a contender for the CFL's Most Outstanding Player this season.

Rourke completed 22 of 31 passes for 375 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions as the Lions improved to 8-1 and extended their winning streak to five games.

He also rushed for 63 yards on three carries, including a 36-yard run in the third quarter that set up an 11-yard touchdown pass to Bryan Burnham.

WATCH l Burnham's phenomenal touchdown leads Lions past Riders:

Rourke set the tone for the Lions in the first half, going 16-of-22 passing for 285 yards and one touchdown. Both his interceptions also came in the opening half.

With continuous attacks downfield, the big play came with 1:58 left in the first half when Rourke connected with Lucky Whitehead on a 90-yard touchdown to give the Lions a 21-3 lead. Three Saskatchewan defenders focused on a short curl route by Burnham, allowing Whitehead to run free on a deep route.

Lions backup quarterback Anthony Pipkin added two touchdowns on quarterback sneaks. QB Michael O'Connor, who replaced Rourke, finished 5-of-5 passing for 36 yards.

WATCH l Rourke leaves game with injury:

Saskatchewan QB Cody Fajardo went 8-of-13 passing for 41 yards and two interceptions before Riders head coach Craig Dickenson pulled him in the second quarter.

Fajardo, who has been struggling with a knee injury, was replaced by backup