Indiana's Kurtis Rourke. Rich Janzaruk/Herald-Times / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Report reveals possible return timeline for Indiana QB Kurtis Rourke

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Larry Brown | Last updated Oct 22, 2024 2:49 PM ET

The Indiana Hoosiers football team is in the middle of a resurgent season this fall, but their successful run is hitting a speed bump due to an injury to quarterback Kurtis Rourke.

Rourke, who transferred to IU from Ohio University, suffered a thumb injury in the Hoosiers’ 56-7 win over Nebraska on Saturday. Rourke hit his thumb on the helmet of an opponent during a play in the first half and did not return for the second half.

Rourke underwent thumb surgery on Monday and is expected to miss some time. Though Rourke is doubtful to play in Saturday’s game at home against Washington, he could return the following weekend for a game against Michigan State, according to ESPN's Pete Thamel.

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. pic.twitter.com/SHtjJvVRly

— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) October 22, 2024

Indiana is 7-0 this season and has the toughest part of its schedule coming up. It hosts Washington, visits Michigan State, hosts Michigan and then visits Ohio State before closing the regular season at home against Purdue. The Hoosiers certainly have winnable games ahead, but the task of remaining undefeated is a lot more challenging without Rourke.

Rourke, who is in his sixth college football season, has passed for 1,941 yards, 15 touchdowns and just three interceptions this season.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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