Indiana Quarterback Kurtis Rourke Has Thumb Surgery, Could Return Against Michigan State

After suffering a thumb injury against Nebraska, Indiana quarterback Kurtis Rourke could return on Nov. 2 against Michigan State, according to ESPN's Pete Thamel.

Indiana quarterback Kurtis Rourke (9) runs against Nebraska at Memorial Stadium. / Rich Janzaruk/Herald-Times / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – Indiana quarterback Kurtis Rourke underwent surgery on his right thumb on Monday, which improved his prognosis, according to a report from ESPN's Pete Thamel on Tuesday.

Indiana coach Curt Cignetti said Monday that Rourke will not play on Saturday against Washington, but he expects Rourke to return during the regular season. The school announced Sunday that Rourke "will be out an indefinite period of time."

Thamel's report on Tuesday states that Rourke is still doubtful for the Washington game, but there is optimism he could return for Indiana's game at Michigan State on Nov. 2.

Rourke suffered the injury in the first half of Indiana's 56-7 win over Nebraska on Saturday. Cignetti said postgame that Rourke's "nail kind of came off" after hitting a defender on a follow through.

IU QB Kurtis 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. https://t.co/3YxdYZUK3o

— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) October 22, 2024

Rourke did not play in the second half against Nebraska. He was replaced by redshirt sophomore Tayven Jackson, who completed 7 of 8 passes for 91 yards and two touchdowns.

"We have 100% confidence and the team has 100% confidence, I have confidence, the staff has confidence in Tayven Jackson," Cignetti said Monday. "I thought he played really well in the second half."

Rourke, a 6-foot-5, sixth-year senior transfer from Ohio University, has been one of the nation’s best this year. He ranks second among starting quarterbacks with a 74.6% completion percentage and second in ESPN’s adjusted total quarterback rating. His 1,941 passing yards are 13th most in the nation, despite ranking 65th in pass attempts. Pro Football Focus gives Rourke the highest passing grade in the nation, 91.7, among qualified quarterbacks. 

Indiana enters Saturday's home game against Washington leading the nation with 48.7 points per game. ESPN's College GameDay pregame show will be in Bloomington prior to the Noon ET kickoff at Memorial Stadium.

Related stories on Indiana football

• HOW DOES ROURKE'S INJURY AFFECT IU?: Indiana is fortunate after quarterback Kurtis Rourke’s injury to have a backup like Tayven Jackson, a well-balanced roster and quarterback-friendly coaching staff. CLICK HERE

• E.J. WILLIAMS NO LONGER WITH IU: Williams posted a statement Tuesday morning on social media about why he is no longer with the Indiana football program. CLICK HERE

• WHAT CIGNETTI SAID: Read all of Curt Cignetti's comments from his Washington game week press conference. CLICK HERE.

• REMAINING GAMES SOLD OUT: Indiana has announced that its three remaining home football games are sold out. CLICK HERE.

• GAMEDAY IS COMING TO BLOOMINGTON: ESPN announced on Sunday morning that its College GameDay program will be at Indiana next Saturday. CLICK HERE.

• RPO MAKES IT GO FOR INDIANA: The Hoosiers' mastery of run-pass option makes the pass and run games complement each other perfectly. CLICK HERE.

• THE DAY AFTER: Was Saturday's game one of the greatest moments in Indiana football history? We ponder that as well as revisit our predictions made for the Nebraska game. CLICK HERE.

• INDIANA MOVES TO NO. 13: Indiana moved up three spots in the AP Top 25 poll released on Sunday. CLICK HERE.