BLOOMINGTON – Quarterback Kurtis Rourke suffered a hand injury at the tail end of the first half of Indiana’s game against Nebraska on Saturday, and was ruled out for the second half.
Rourke was seen getting treatment on his throwing hand after Indiana’s touchdown drive late in the second quarter to take a 28-7 lead over Nebraska at that time. Blood could be seen on his right thumb as he walked off the field. He appeared to hit his hand on a defender’s arm as he threw the football.
Rourke returned for another drive before the conclusion of the half, but only attempted two passes.
Rourke did not come out of Indiana’s locker room immediately after halftime, and later returned to Indiana’s sideline in street clothes with his hand wrapped.
Before his injury, Rourke went 17-21 on his passes for 189 yards and a touchdown. Tayven Jackson took his place under center and finished the game for Indiana.
IU head coach Curt Cignetti didn’t seem concerned about Rourke’s long-term availability.
“A little thumb thing, I feel good about it, I really do. It was precautionary (to take him out),” Cignetti said on the radio after the game.
Later with the media Cignetti suggested the nail came off Rourke’s thumb. He said they’ll know more about his status tomorrow, but he is optimistic.
For the season, Rourke has completed 135-of-181 passes for 1,941 yards with 15 touchdowns and three interceptions. He is considered a contender for the Heisman Trophy through seven games.
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