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Kurtis Rourke injury update: Pete Thamel provides optimistic timetable for Indiana QB

Stephen Samraby:Steve Samra•10/22/24•

SamraSource

Kurtis Rourke by Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images
(Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images)

ESPN’s Pete Thamel provided an optimistic update on Tuesday regarding Indiana quarterback Kurtis Rourke as he deals with an injured right thumb.

Rourke suffered the injury this past weekend in a 56-7 win over Nebraska, which continued the Hoosiers’ undefeated season. According to Thamel, Rourke could be back by the Nov. 2 contest against Michigan State, after he underwent surgery on Monday.

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“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,” Thamel posted on X. “… (Rourke) underwent surgery on his injured right thumb on Monday, per ESPN sources.

“That helped provide some clarity on a potential return, including optimism that he could be back for Indiana’s game at Michigan State on Nov. 2.”

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Getting Rourke back into the fold would be a huge boon for Indiana. While they handled business against the Cornhuskers with their starting quarterback sitting out the entire second half, he’s played impressive enough to be in the Heisman conversation in 2024.

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While missing time will make it more difficult for the sixth-year quarterback to really establish himself in the Heisman conversation, his impact on a still-undefeated and transfer-heavy Indiana team is undeniable.

Rourke entered this weekend with 1,752 passing yards — in other words, 292 passing yards per game, at the time the second most of any Big Ten quarterback this season — and a 14:2 touchdown-to-interception ratio.

He’s already earned Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week honors twice. The Oakville, Ontario, native has turned in a trio of 300-yard passing games so far.

Rourke arrived in Bloomington having made 33 career starts at Ohio, where he piled up 61 total touchdowns (50 passing, 11 rushing) and only 16 interceptions across five seasons. He was the MAC Offensive Player of the Year in 2022. Depending on how long he’ll be sidelined this season, he could have a shot at winning Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year in 2024.

On3’s Andy Backstrom contributed to this article.