Kurtis Rourke injury update: Latest timeline for return after thumb surgery

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 Kurtis Rourke. 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, Rourke tallied 61 total touchdowns (50 passing, 11 rushing) and only 16 interceptions. He was the MAC Offensive Player of the Year in 2022.

Now, Rourke 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.