The updates continue to be positive as Indiana quarterback Kurtis Rourke continues to trend towards a return at Michigan State this weekend.
IU’s starting quarterback had thumb surgery last week after suffering an injury in the first half of a 56-7 win over Nebraska.
ESPN’s Pete Thamel says Rourke has now been throwing for several days in a row.
“Sources: Indiana QB Kurtis Rourke has continued to throw the past few days, and there’s continued optimism he can play on Saturday against Michigan State,” Thamel wrote on X Monday morning. “He’s been dealing with a thumb injury and had surgery last week. IU’s first full practice is Tuesday.”
On Saturday during ESPN’s College GameDay broadcast, Thamel said Rourke had two screws placed in his injured thumb during surgery last week and had started throwing on Friday.
Rourke has led Indiana to an 8-0 record, tying the best start in program history. He is a contender for the Heisman Trophy, and the No. 13 Hoosiers are clearly in the mix for both the Big Ten Championship Game and the College Football Playoff.
A product of Canada, Rourke has completed 135 of 181 passes for 1,941 yards this year. He has 15 touchdowns and three interceptions.
While the offense took a step back against Washington Saturday, Indiana has continued to be dominant overall with backup Tayven Jackson in the lineup. He has played the last three halves for Indiana, and the Hoosiers have outscored their competition 59-17 during that span. Jackson is 18-of-27 passing for 215 yards with 3 touchdowns and an interception during the last six quarters. He’s added eight carries for 38 yards and a score.
At his regular Monday press conference, Curt Cignetti said he was optimistic on the outlook for Rourke. He said “he’s been throwing the last few days and his workload will increase this week.”
For complete coverage of IU football, GO HERE.
The Daily Hoosier –“Where Indiana fans assemble when they’re not at Assembly”
- You can follow us on Twitter: @daily_hoosier
- Find us on Facebook and Instagram
- Seven ways to support completely free IU coverage at no cost to you.
