The Indiana Hoosiers are 7-0 for just the second time in school history, and fans have high hopes and expectations for the rest of the season.
Those hopes appeared to be paused during the team’s 56-7 defeat of the Nebraska Cornhuskers on Saturday. Quarterback Kurtis Rourke left the game in the first half with a thumb injury and didn’t return.
On Sunday, Indiana released a statement confirming Rourke’s injury and saying the quarterback would be out ‘indefinitely.’
Good news came for the Hoosiers on Tuesday, though. ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported that Rourke underwent successful surgery this week and may only miss one game.
Sources: Indiana QB Kurtis Rourke’s injured thumb is improving enough where he could be back for Michigan State on Nov. 2. He’s still doubtful for Saturday against Washington, but there’s more optimism about the immediate future. pic.twitter.com/SHtjJvVRly
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) October 22, 2024
“IU QB Kurtis Rourke underwent surgery on his injured right thumb on Monday, per ESPN sources. That helped provide some clarity on a potential return, including optimism that he could be back for Indiana’s game at Michigan State on Nov. 2,” Thamel said in a post on his X account.
Rourke has been exceptional for the undefeated Hoosiers. He’s 135-for-181 for 1,941 passing yards. His 15 touchdowns tie him with Oregon Ducks signal-caller Dillon Gabriel for the Big Ten’s lead, and Rourke’s three interceptions put him in a tie with Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Will Howard for second-fewest in the conference among players with 150 pass attempts or more.
If he can return for the game against the Michigan State Spartans, Indiana will have its signal-caller for the final full month of the season when it plays the Ohio State Buckeyes and Michigan Wolverines.
Backup quarterback Tayven Jackson will start for Indiana while Rourke is out.
