What happened to Kurtis Rourke? Exploring the Indiana QB’s injury against Nebraska

Indiana quarterback Kurtis Rourke suffered an injury in the first half of the number 16-ranked Hoosiers' (6-0) Saturday afternoon game against Nebraska (5-1). It appears to be a hand injury, as many shots on broadcast showed Rourke's hand bleeding.

Sideline reporter Jenny Taft said it looked like the training staff taped down his nail. The Oakville-born quarterback finished the first half, but a few passes near the second quarter's end were off-target.

What happened to Kurtis Rourke?

No one has confirmed what play caused Rourke to injure his hand. All fans know is that Rourke was shown leading from the land several times, and he had one of his nails taped down. Head coach Curt Cignetti told Jenny Taft that Rourke was fine, but he was not seen with the other quarterbacks warming up.

When will Kurtis Rourke return?

It is unclear when Kurtis Rourke will return, but he did not start the second half for Indiana. Instead, he was replaced by Tayven Jackson. Indiana may have taken a precautionary measure to keep Rourke out for the second half of the game, as they ended the first half with a 28-7 lead.

All indicators point to a victory for Indiana, so there is no need to risk Rourke aggravating his injury further. He can rest while the rest of the team finishes the game. Before Rourke left the game against Nebraska, he had completed 17 of 21 passing attempts for 189 yards.

How will Kurtis Rourke's absence affect Indiana's offense?

If Rourke will sit out beyond this game, it will leave a big dent in Indiana's offensive plans. The 23-year-old ranks among the best in the nation in several major passing categories. He ranks 11th in passing yards per game with 292, has the third-best completion percentage at 73.8%, and has thrown the 13th most passing touchdowns with 14.

Rourke is one of the biggest reasons Indiana has started the year undefeated. If he is absent, other members of the offense will need to step up to help the Hoosiers continue their push to win the Big Ten.

Fortunately for Indiana, it does not face a ranked opponent until Nov. 9, when it plays the number 24-ranked Michigan Wolverines. In the two games before that, Indiana is scheduled to face Washington and Michigan State.