Kurtis Rourke injury update: Huge blow for Curt Cignetti after CFB insider's latest news on Indiana QB

Influential Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Kurtis Rourke led his team to a comprehensive 56-7 win over the Nebraska Cornhuskers on Saturday. He went 17 of 21 for 189 yards, resulting in one touchdown and one interception in the game, which he departed at halftime with a finger injury.

During his postgame news conference, Indiana coach Kurt Cignetti spoke about the injury to his QB1.

“I know people are going to ask me about Kurtis,” Cignetti said. “Thought he played really well in the first half. He had a thumb on a helmet, nail kind of came off. We'll know more tomorrow. But optimistic.”

On Sunday, ESPN analyst Pete Thamel revealed on X that the Hoosiers quarterback would likely miss the Week 9 clash against the Washington Huskies with a thumb injury.

“Sources: Indiana quarterback Kurtis Rourke is not expected to play this week against Washington because of a thumb injury in the Nebraska game,” Thamel tweeted. “He will return this season, but the timetable isn’t clear yet."

Backup quarterback Tayven Jackson also played in the second half of the game, going 7 of 8 for 91 yards, resulting in two touchdowns, while rushing for 21 yards, and will likely step into the breach in Kurtis Rourke's absence.

During his postgame news conference, Indiana coach Curt Cignetti revealed his confidence in the backup to perform when called upon.

“He played well,” Cignetti said of Jackson, “but he still has to practice better. It’s hard to be the second-string quarterback. We put in a lot of new stuff each week. He did a good job. The team has confidence in him.”

Kurtis Rourke key to Indiana's impressive season

The Indiana Hoosiers improved to 7-0 this season after the blowout 56-7 win against the Nebraska Cornhuskers in Week 8 action. The credit can be shared between new coach Curt Signetti and quarterback Kurtis Rourke.

Indiana's offense has been consistent and leads the Big Ten in yards and points per game garnered, and their conversion in the red zone has been impressive this season.

Rourke joined the Hoosiers from the Ohio Bobcats via the transfer portal and has registered 1,941 yards on 74.6% completion, resulting in 15 touchdowns and three interceptions this season.

The Hoosiers could climb up the AP Top 25 from No. 16 with their latest win, but the loss of Kurtis Rourke will put a dampener on their fans' mood ahead of a key clash against the Washington Huskies next week.