Kurtis Rourke injury update: Indiana QB status vs. Michigan State revealed per report

The Indiana Hoosiers are one of the hottest teams in college football this year. They’ve been guided by the ultra-accuracy of quarterback Kurtis Rourke. However, he’s been banged up recently. On Wednesday evening, Brandon Marcello reported that Rourke is on track to start against Michigan State as of Wednesday evening.

Rourke had surgery on his thumb last week. Hoosiers head coach Curt Cignetti said on Monday he was “optimistic” Rourke would play this week.

More on Indiana QB Kurtis Rourke and his career

Indiana quarterback Kurtis Rourke received surgery for a thumb injury he suffered against Nebraska in Week 8. Rourke was unable to play against Washington on Saturday but there is optimism that Rourke will be able to play against Michigan State this weekend, per ESPN’s Pete Thamel.

Rourke has reportedly been throwing the ball successfully over the past few days. Indiana’s first full practice this week is Tuesday. Rourke’s return would be a massive addition for the Hoosiers.

Rourke has been fantastic for the Hoosiers this season, completing 74.6% of his passes for 1,941 yards and 15 touchdowns compared to just three interceptions. Rourke also boasts two rushing scores this season.

In Indiana’s 31-17 win over Washington on Saturday, Hoosiers backup QB Tayven Jackson completed 1-of-his-19 pass attempts for 124 yards and a touchdown. He also threw an interception. After the game, Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti evaluated Jackson’s performance.

“He made some good plays. He left as many plays out there,” Cignetti said. “It’s just doing what you’re coached to do. Reading your key, don’t forget to send the motion, those kind of things.”

In fairness to Jackson, it’s difficult to replace a player like the former Bobcats signal-caller. He already has won the Big Ten Player of the Week Award twice this season and is a legitimate candidate to take home the Big Ten Player of the Year Award. The accolade would just be the latest in his laundry list of achievements.

Rourke arrived in Bloomington this offseason after spending five seasons at Ohio, where he amassed 33 career starts. During his time with the Bobcats, he tallied 61 total touchdowns (50 passing, 11 rushing) and only 16 interceptions. He was the MAC Offensive Player of the Year in 2022.

Now, he will work to make his return before the Hoosiers square off against Michigan State at 3:30 p.m. ET on Saturday. The game will air live on Peacock.

On3’s Grant Grubbs also contributed to this article.