Still recovering from a back injury that cost him much of last season, Kentucky isn’t taking any chances with junior quarterback Drew Barker.

After an offseason of hype, Barker entered 2016 with high expectations only to see them get demolished nearly immediately after taking over the Wildcat offense. Earning the starting quarterback duties as a sophomore, Barker came out firing in the season opener against Southern Miss, throwing for 323 yards and four touchdowns. That game was the only highlight for Barker last season, as a dreadful performance against Florida was followed by an early exit against New Mexico State. Barker failed to return to the field again.

Now well on his way to making a return as he battles Stephen Johnson for the starting duties in Lexington, Kentucky doesn’t plan on taking any chances Friday during the annual Blue-White Spring Game. According to co-offensive coordinator Darin Hinshaw, Barker will be held out of the game as a precautionary measure.

Kentucky is holding its spring game Friday, April 14, at 7:30 p.m. ET. The game will be televised on SEC Network.

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