Kurtis Rourke Injury Update: Indiana Football QB Out Against Washington, Reports Say
This season, Indiana football has encountered its first significant challenge of 2024.
Starting quarterback Kurtis Rourke has been officially ruled out for the Big Ten game against Washington on Saturday due to a thumb injury, according to reports from Michael Niziolek of the Indianapolis Star and Zachary Osterman of The Herald-Times in Bloomington, Indiana.
Rourke is set to be out for an undetermined period following the injury but is expected to return at some point during the 2024 season, based on the reports.
This is a tough situation for the sixth-year senior transfer quarterback. With 1,941 passing yards, 15 touchdowns, and three interceptions, Rourke has put himself in contention for the Heisman Trophy. He has played a key role in helping Indiana achieve a perfect 7-0 record, placing the Hoosiers at the top of the Big Ten standings with a 4-0 conference record.
Redshirt sophomore Tayven Jackson stepped in for Rourke after the injury and is likely to take on the starting role against the Huskies. Jackson successfully completed 7 out of 8 passes for 91 yards, securing two touchdowns, and also rushed for 21 yards on two attempts.
Here’s what you need to know about Rourke’s injury and the latest updates:
Update on Kurtis Rourke’s Injury
The injury occurred when Rourke appeared to hit his hand against a Nebraska player’s helmet late in the second quarter. He continued playing for a few more snaps to finish the first half but did not join his teammates in the locker room right after halftime.
With Indiana holding a 28-7 lead at halftime, Rourke concluded the game having completed 17 of 21 passes for 189 yards, one touchdown, and one interception, which came on a Hail Mary attempt at the end of the half after he sustained his thumb injury.
Post-game, Indiana’s head coach Curt Cignetti provided an update:
“I know people are going to ask me about Kurtis,” Cignetti said. “I thought he played very well in the first half. He had a thumb hit on a helmet, and a nail might have come off. We’ll have more information tomorrow. But I’m optimistic.”
