The Indiana Hoosiers’ dream season just got a bit more complicated.
Superstar quarterback Kurtis Rourke left Saturday’s drubbing of the previously 5-1 Nebraska Cornhuskers with an apparent injury. On Sunday, he was described as out “indefinitely,” but Tuesday morning brought some brighter news.
What happened to Rourke, what is his current timeframe for recovering, and what can we expect from his backup, Tayven Jackson when the Hoosiers host the Washington Huskies?
What Happened to Kurtis Rourke?
Indiana quarterback Rourke has been the catalyst for the Hoosiers’ incredible start, posting ridiculous numbers in a season that has been Heisman-worthy. But he left the Hoosiers’ game at halftime after injuring his thumb late in the second quarter.
On Sunday, a diagnosis of a broken thumb carried the news that he would be out for “an indefinite period of time,” with the possibility to miss an extended period of time. However, by Tuesday AM, there was a more positive outlook for Hoosiers’ fans.
While still being considered “doubtful” for the game against Washington on Saturday — where the Hoosiers will host College GameDay in Bloomington — sources told ESPN’s Pete Thamel that Rourke’s injury is improving enough for a potential November 2 return.
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
While a return against the Michigan State Spartans is given for Rourke, Hoosiers fans have a much more significant date circled on the 2024 college football calendar. The Hoosiers travel to Columbus to take on the Ohio State Buckeyes on November 23 for a game that, as long as Indiana continues to win out, could have Big Ten Championship Game implications.
For now, the undefeated Hoosiers will turn to backup Jackson. While he isn’t Rourke, the longtime Indiana quarterback is no slouch.
Who Is Tayven Jackson?
Jackson is a multi-year Hoosier, a former starter, and a holdover from the Tom Allen era of Indiana football.
He started five games for the Hoosiers last season, throwing for 914 yards and two touchdowns with five interceptions on a bad Hoosier offense. This season, he’s fared much better in relief, throwing for 225 yards and three touchdowns to no interceptions, adding 36 yards and a touchdown on the ground.
He’s a dual-threat, but he looks to pass first and has excellent size and an NFL-caliber arm. The question is whether head coach Curt Cignetti and offensive coordinator Mike Shanahan can scheme players open and simplify Jackson’s reads.
The physical ability is there for Jackson, and he’s surrounded by an abundance of talent this season.
If he can play to his potential, the potent Hoosier offense shouldn’t miss a beat.
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