Report: Indiana QB Kurtis Rourke May Return vs. MSU After Surgery on Thumb Injury

No. 13 Indiana will attempt to stay unbeaten without a major piece of the team's offense.

Hoosiers starting quarterback Kurtis Rourke is doubtful for Saturday's game against Washington after undergoing thumb surgery but may be able to return on Nov. 2 against Michigan State, according to ESPN's Pete Thamel.

"The timeline to return for injured Indiana quarterback Kurtis Rourke is coming into focus, as sources told ESPN that Rourke's 'prognosis has improved' after he underwent surgery on his injured right thumb Monday."

"The successful surgery provided some clarity on a potential return, including optimism that he could be back for Indiana's game at Michigan State on Nov. 2. Rourke is still doubtful for No. 13 Indiana's home game against Washington on Saturday."

Rourke sustained the injury in the second quarter of Indiana's 56-7 win over Nebraska on Saturday, staying in the game until halftime. He wasn't able to take the field in the second half, though.

Prior to the injury, the 23-year-old was able to lead the Hoosiers to a 28-7 halftime lead. Rourke finished 17-of-21 for 189 yards and a touchdown to go along with an interception.

He was replaced in the second half by sophomore Tayven Jackson, who thrived against the Cornhuskers' secondary. He completed seven of his eight pass attempts for 91 yards and two touchdowns.

The Hoosiers were also able to cruise to the win without Rourke due to a dominant rushing performance, picking up 215 yards on 33 carries as a team.

Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti detailed Rourke's injury after the game.

"He had a thumb on a helmet, nail kind of came off," Cignetti said, per Michael Niziolek of the Indianapolis Star. "We'll know more tomorrow, but optimistic."

Rourke transferred from Ohio to Indiana following the 2023 season and was off to a strong start, establishing himself as one of the top signal-callers in the country. His 15 passing touchdowns are tied for the most among all Big Ten passers, while his 1,941 yards through the air rank No. 4 in the conference.

He's also thrown just three interceptions this season.

Jackson will likely replace Rourke if he can't suit up against Washington. It'll be a challenge for him, as the Huskies own the best pass defense in the Big Ten.