Hoosiers coach optimistic on QB Kurtis Rourke's return

Indiana is positive about quarterback Kurtis Rourke's development as he recuperates from a thumb injury that necessitated surgery last week, coach Curt Cignetti informed the media on Monday.

Cignetti stated that the fifth-year senior has been "throwing over the past few days."

According to ESPN, the 13th-ranked and undefeated Hoosiers (8-0, 5-0 Big Ten) are optimistic that Rourke will be able to return to action against Michigan State on Saturday.

Rourke sustained the injury in the second quarter of a 56-7 victory over Nebraska on October 19, when his throwing hand collided with the helmet of a Cornhuskers player. He did not return to the game, with Tayven Jackson taking over and leading the team to a blowout victory.

Jackson once again filled in for Rourke in Saturday's 31-17 win over Washington, completing 11 of 19 passes for 124 yards with one touchdown and one interception.

Rourke is in his first season at Indiana after starting the previous three years at Ohio. He has a 74.6 percent completion rate for 1,941 yards with 15 touchdowns and three interceptions in seven starts for the Hoosiers and is considered a contender for the Heisman Trophy.