The Indiana Hoosiers’ dream season just got a bit more complicated after superstar QB Kurtis Rourke left last Saturday’s drubbing of the Nebraska Cornhuskers with an apparent injury. Following the game, he was described as out “indefinitely.”
But after closer inspection, he was upgraded to ‘questionable’ moving forward. What happened to Rourke, and what is his current timeframe for recovery?
Is Kurtis Rourke Playing This Week?
Rourke has been the driving force behind the Hoosiers’ remarkable start, putting up eye-popping stats in a season that has had Heisman buzz. However, he exited the game at halftime after suffering a thumb injury late in the second quarter.
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By Sunday, the diagnosis of a broken thumb delivered tough news—Rourke would be out for an “indefinite period,” with the potential to miss significant time. But by Tuesday morning, there was a more optimistic update for Hoosiers fans.
Although he’s still listed as “doubtful” for Saturday’s game against Washington—where the Hoosiers are set to host College GameDay in Bloomington—sources told ESPN’s Pete Thamel that Rourke’s recovery is progressing, with a possible return on November 2.
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 Rourke is expected to return against the Michigan State Spartans, Hoosiers fans have their eyes on a much bigger date on the 2024 college football calendar. On November 23, the Hoosiers head to Columbus to face the Ohio State Buckeyes—a game that, if Indiana keeps winning, could have major implications for the Big Ten Championship.
In the meantime, the undefeated Hoosiers will rely on backup Tayven Jackson. While he may not be Rourke, the veteran Indiana quarterback is more than capable.
Who Is Tayven Jackson?
Jackson is a seasoned 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, two touchdowns, and five interceptions on a struggling offense. This season, he’s been more effective in relief, passing for 225 yards and three touchdowns without a pick, while adding 36 rushing yards and a touchdown on the ground.
A dual-threat quarterback, Jackson prefers to throw first and possesses excellent size and an NFL-caliber arm. The challenge now is whether head coach Curt Cignetti and offensive coordinator Mike Shanahan can scheme players open and simplify his reads.
The physical tools are there for Jackson, and this season he’s surrounded by a wealth of talent. If he can play up to his potential, the Hoosiers’ high-powered offense might not miss a beat.
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