FOXBORO — New Patriots quarterback Nathan Rourke is trying to learn what the rest of his teammates have digested over the last five months in just three weeks.

It’s a tough task for the former CFL quarterback, but he’s also just happy to be on an NFL roster. Rourke went undrafted out of Ohio in 2020 and spent three seasons in the CFL before landing with the Jaguars this season. He started the season on the practice squad before signing to the 53-man roster in October. When the Jaguars waived him on Saturday, the Patriots jumped at the opportunity to claim him Monday.

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Rourke said he was “a little bit surprised” to be claimed by the Patriots.

“But that’s how things work,” Rourke said. “I think just being part of the league, people leave and find new places all of the time. The role I was in, you knew it was possible. Definitely a little bit surprised but glad it happened and excited for this opportunity.”

It’s certainly getting Rourke out of his comfort zone. If he had cleared waivers — that wouldn’t have happened even if the Patriots didn’t land him; the Texans put in a claim, as well — then he likely was headed back to the Jaguars’ practice squad. He knew Trevor Lawrence was the starter and that C.J. Beathard was the backup. An exclusive-rights free agent after the season, he likely would have entered next offseason as the Jaguars’ third-stringer.

Now the Patriots, who don’t have a franchise quarterback like Lawrence, hold his exclusive rights this offseason. And they could have a new regime and quarterbacks in place next season, as well.

“Yeah, it’s cool,” Rourke said about landing on another 53-man roster. “It’s an interesting situation to be in. You don’t necessarily — I think when I was in Jacksonville, it was pretty clear what the plan was. And I think the plan here is a little bit more unclear. I definitely am appreciative and grateful of whatever stock they put in me. A couple years ago, no teams were giving me any kind of attention. But to be here is great. Kind of part of the job is just to roll with things. So, that’s what I’m trying to do.”

Rourke said he was referring to both the short-term and long-term plan.

Rourke, who grew up in Ontario and played one year of high school football in the states in Alabama, certainly seemed to know the history of the Patriots’ franchise. He played one year of junior college before transferring to Ohio, where he started for three seasons. He played for the BC Lions in 2021 and 2022 and won the CFL Most Outstanding Canadian Award last season before moving on to the NFL.

“Yeah, I’m honored,” Rourke said about being a Patriot. “It’s a great organization. I’ve got a lot of respect for this team and obviously for Coach Belichick and Coach O’Brien. It’s been pretty cool to be here so far.”

Grasping the system will be the most difficult aspect for Rourke, but he said he’s been getting help from fellow quarterbacks Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe, who he’s already noticed have a similar love for football.

“It’s been a lot,” Rourke said about learning offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien’s offense. “I think football’s football to a certain extent but just learning the language this far into it has been difficult, but I don’t put it past myself to be pick it up. Doing my best, and the guys are supporting me as best as possible.

“You just have to piece it together and figure out how they do things and kind of assimilate.”

One team source liked Rourke’s playmaking and processing ability in his various stops before the Patriots claimed him.