Indiana quarterback Kurtis Rourke is “on track” to return in Week 10 against Michigan State after missing last week’s win over Washington with a thumb injury, CBS Sports’ Brandon Marcello reports. Rourke injured the thumb on his throwing hand in the first half against Nebraska on Oct. 19 and underwent surgery shortly after.
Earlier this week Indiana coach Curt Cignetti said that Rourke’s workload was expected to increase ahead of the Big Ten matchup. Backup quarterback Tayven Jackson got the call against the Huskies last weekend and threw for 124 yards and a touchdown in the 31-17 win. Jackson started five games for the Hoosiers in 2023, throwing for 918 yards, two touchdowns and five interceptions.
Rourke has put together a fantastic start to the 2024 season. He has completed 74.6% of his attempts for 1,941 yards and 15 touchdowns with only three interceptions to help No. 13 Indiana get off to an 8-0 start for the first time since 1967.
The Hoosiers are one of eight FBS teams that have yet to lose a game this season. Indiana is tied with BYU and Miami (eight) for the third-longest active win streak in the FBS. Indiana hosts Michigan on Nov. 9, then after a late off week will play Ohio State in Columbus on Nov. 23 before concluding the regular season against rival Purdue. Having Rourke available for those key games in November is crucial to keeping the Hoosiers in the running for the Big Ten Championship and the College Football Playoff.
