While Indiana quarterback Kurtis Rourke injured his thumb during the team’s blowout win over Nebraska on Saturday, the injury does not appear to be as severe as initially expected, per ESPN’s Pete Thamel.
Rourke is doubtful to play against Washington on Saturday, but could return to face Michigan State on Nov. 2, Thamel tweeted.
The injury occurred when Rourke’s right thumb hit the helmet of a Nebraska defender. Rourke did have surgery on Monday.
Even though it was initially announced by the team on Monday that Rourke would return at some point this season, there was no definitive timetable regarding when that might happen.
Rourke, the sixth-year senior and transfer from Ohio, has been instrumental in the Hoosiers’ 7-0 start to the season, their best since 1967. Accounting for 1,941 passing yards, 15 TDs, three interceptions and a superb 91.8 QBR — which ranks second only to Miami’s Cam Ward (92.3) — Rourke’s stellar play has led the Hoosiers to possess the top-scoring offense in the country (48.7 points per game). Indiana is also top five in total offense (512.7 yards per game) and third-down conversion percentage (54.2).
In his seven starts this season, Rourke has passed for multiple touchdowns four times, including a four-touchdown performance against UCLA on Sept. 14.
It is remarkable what Rourke and Indiana have accomplished so far. Led by first-year head coach Curt Cignetti, the program went just 3-9 last season and has failed to reach a bowl game since 2020.
As Indiana now has its sights on a potential College Football Playoff appearance, it still has a huge road test at No. 4 Ohio State on Nov. 23. With that matchup looming, it is crucial that Rourke is able to return as soon as possible.
Until Rourke returns, redshirt sophomore Tayven Jackson is expected to get the start. In limited action this season, Jackson has passed for 225 yards, three TDs and no interceptions.
