Kurtis Rourke injury update: Latest news on Indiana QB's medical status after Week 8 setback

The Indiana Hoosiers had a bittersweet Week 8 after losing quarterback Kurtis Rourke to injury after a dominant 56-7 win over the Nebraska Cornhuskers. Curt Cignetti's program remains undefeated (7-0) and was ranked No. 13 in the latest AP Top 25 Weekly Poll.

Rourke, an integral part of that success, left the game against the Cornhuskers with an injured thumb at halftime, making way for backup quarterback Tayven Jackson.

During his Nebraska postgame news conference, the Hoosiers coach gave an optimistic review of his QB1's status.

“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 Tuesday, ESPN analyst Pete Thamel gave a positive report about Kurtis Rourke and his status for the rest of the season after he had surgery on Monday.

“Sources: Indiana QB Kurtis Rourke’s injured thumb is improving enough where he could be back for Michigan State on Nov. 2. He’s still doubtful for Saturday against Washington, but there’s more optimism about the immediate future,” Thamel tweeted.

“That helped provide some clarity on a potential return, including optimism that he could be back for Indiana’s game at Michigan State on Nov. 2.”

Rourke is likely to miss the clash against the Washington Huskies in Week 9 but could be back for the game against the Michigan State Spartans.

Kurtis Rourke will be replaced by Tayven Jackson

Kurtis Rourke has thrown for 1,941 yards, resulting in 15 touchdowns and three interceptions this season.

Replacing Rourke, Tayven Jackson was impressive in Indiana's blowout win against Nebraska, playing the entire second half. He went 7 of 8 for 91 yards and two touchdowns. During the postgame conference, Curt Cignetti reiterated his confidence in him being an adequate replacement for Rourke.

“He (Jackson) 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.”

It remains to be seen if Jackson can successfully lead the undefeated program until Rourke returns.