Kentucky QB Drew Barker to miss ‘significant time’ with back injury

If the Kentucky Wildcats football program wasn’t already facing an uphill battle week in and week out, they certainly are now with news that starting quarterback Drew Barker will be out of action for the foreseeable future.

According to head coach Mark Stoops, Barker  “will be out for a significant amount of time” due to a back injury.

If there is positive news regarding Barker’s health, it’s that he will not require surgery.

“His mother, his father, Drew, Jim Madaleno and our doctors are all on the same page, and they believe the best treatment is rest right now and some treatment, and the best idea for him is non-operative at this point in time,” Stoops said. “If that changes, I’ll let you know. When he gets back out on the field, I’ll let you know. But he is out for a significant amount of time.”

For now, Barker is expected to rest for three weeks before being evaluated.

In the meantime,  the Wildcats will turn to junior college transfer Stephen Johnson II, who will be making his first FBS start.

Last week, Johnson threw for 310 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions.

Kentucky returns to action with Johnson at the helm this weekend when the Wildcats play host to the South Carolina Gamecocks. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET on the SEC Network.

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Photo Credit: Kentucky Athletics

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