The Indiana Hoosiers’ dream season continued on without star QB Kurtis Rourke, who left the Week 8 drubbing of the Nebraska Cornhuskers with an injury to his hand. Following the game, he was described as out “indefinitely” and underwent thumb surgery.
After closer inspection following his surgery, he was upgraded to ‘questionable’ moving forward. What happened to Rourke, and what is his current timeframe for recovery?
How Long Will Kurtis Rourke Be Out?
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.
Rourke was even listed as doubtful for the game against Washington in Week 9. In the end, he missed the game against the Huskies and the Hoosiers rolled anyway. Without Rourke, Indiana improved to 8-0 and into the back half of their schedule with promising news.
“The situation couldn’t have played out better,” ESPN’s Pete Thamel said on College GameDay. “He had two small screws put in the top of his thumb. He is expected to attempt to come back next week against Michigan State.”
After Week 9 came and went, the trip to Michigan State on November 2 was firmly planted on the horizon for Indiana. And according to head coach Curt Cignetti, Rourke is still progressing ahead of or at least on this new timetable.
Cignetti praised Rourke and stated his optimism that Rourke could play on November 2. He stated that they’ll know more this week of practice as he’s expecting Rourke’s workload will increase as the week progresses.
If Rourke can’t go against Michigan State, the Hoosiers play at home against Michigan on November 9 before a bye the following weekend. Then, the big one, at Ohio State on November 23, a game fans have had circled since the dream season began.
Tayven Jackson filled in for Rourke against Washington and would be in line to start against Michigan State if Rourke cannot go.
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 Indiana 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 349 yards and four touchdowns with one interception. He’s added 53 rushing yards and two touchdowns 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 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, unlike he had been in previous years.
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