Indiana quarterback Kurtis Rourke is expected to miss at least one game after suffering a thumb injury in the team's blowout win over Nebraska.

The No. 16 Hoosiers defeated the Cornhuskers 56-7. According to multiple reports, Rourke will be sidelined for the Hoosiers' Week 9 game against Washington due to his injury, but is expected to return at some point this season.

Rourke has been one of the best quarterbacks in college football this season as Indiana is off to a 7-0 start. Rourke completed 17 of 21 passes for 189 yards and a TD and an interception before leaving the Nebraska game. He was replaced by Tayven Jackson in the second half.

Rourke has become a sleeper Heisman candidate as Indiana is tied for the lead in the Big Ten. He has completed 135 of 181 passes for 1,941 yards and 15 touchdowns with just three interceptions so far in 2024.

His arrival was a major boost for an Indiana team largely rebuilt starting in 2023 following the arrival of former James Madison coach Curt Cignetti. Rourke, a transfer from Ohio, was the 2022 MAC Offensive Player of the Year before suffering a season-ending ACL injury. This year he was 244 of 353 passing for 3,256 yards and 25 TDs while also rushing for 249 yards and four scores.

Indiana plays Washington and Michigan State in the next two weeks before hosting No. 4 Ohio State on Nov. 9 and No. 4 Ohio State on Nov. 23.