Hoosiers star quarterback Kurtis Rourke missed IU’s game vs. Washington after undergoing thumb surgery.
Indiana quarterback Kurtis Rourke could return to the field as soon as this Saturday at Michigan State. According to a report Wednesday night from 247Sports’ Brandon Marcello, Rourke is “on track to start” against the Spartans.
Rourke, the FBS leader in pass efficiency, did not play last week against Washington due to a right thumb injury suffered the week prior against Nebraska. Rourke underwent surgery on Monday, Oct. 22 to address the thumb injury, but a clear return timeline was not provided by Indiana coach Curt Cignetti.
“Optimistic on Kurtis Rourke,” Cignetti said in a Monday press conference. “He’s thrown the last few days, building up. Workload will increase as the week goes on. That’s all I’m going to say about it.”
According to Peegs.com’s Jeff Rabjohns, Rourke’s thumb surgical procedure was performed in Indianapolis by a doctor who also does some of these kinds of surgeries for the Indianapolis Colts of the NFL.
Rourke injured his thumb in the second quarter against Nebraska in Week 8. His throwing hand appeared to hit the helmet of a Nebraska defender and after the game Cignetti said Rourke’s thumbnail ripped off. Rourke played the remainder of the second quarter before returning to the sidelines in the third quarter wearing street clothes and his right hand tucked inside his shirt pocket.
Indiana is in the midst of a historic undefeated season, starting 8-0 and tying the program’s record for best start to a campaign since 1967. The Hoosiers are ranked No. 13 in the latest Associated Press Top-25 poll and have gained significant traction as a College Football Playoff contender.
Much of Indiana’s success this season is due to Rourke’s prolific performance, which has earned the sixth-year senior two Big Ten Co-Offensive Player of the Week selections and in the thick of the Heisman Trophy race.
A transfer from Ohio, Rourke this season has completed 135-of-181 passes (75% completion rate) for 1,941 yards, 15 touchdowns and three interceptions. Indiana has won every game by double figures and is outscoring its opponents by an average of 46.5 points to 14.1 points.
In Rourke’s absence, Indiana turned to redshirt sophomore quarterback Tayven Jackson for the second half against Nebraska and the entire game against Washington. In a 56-7 win over the Cornhuskers, Jackson led four touchdown drives and completed 7-of-8 passes for 91 yards and two passing touchdowns. In a 31-17 win over the Huskies, Jackson completed 11-of-19 passes for 124 yards, two total touchdowns (one passing, one rushing) and one interception.
Indiana travels to Spartan Stadium this Saturday to play Michigan State. Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. ET on Peacock.
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