Mark Stoops updates injury status of QB Drew Barker, DL Matt Elam

Kentucky quarterback Drew Barker is on the mend, but coach Mark Stoops said it’s still “a touch too early” to determine a return to date.

The sophomore has not played since sustaining a back injury against New Mexico State on Sept. 17. He won’t play against Mississippi State on Oct. 22 following the team’s off week but could return after that, Stoops said Wednesday during the SEC coaches’ teleconference.

No plans to play Drew Barker for Miss State game, but he'll be week to week after that, Stoops said.

— Jen Smith (@ByJenSmith) October 12, 2016

Junior quarterback Stephen Johnson has filled in since Barker’s injury, throwing for 628 yards and three touchdowns as the Wildcats have gone 3-1 over that stretch.

Defensive lineman Matt Elam, on the other hand, should return against the Bulldogs. The 6-foot-7, 360-pounder missed Kentucky’s win against Vanderbilt last Saturday with an undisclosed injury.

Stoops expects Matt Elam to be back for Mississippi State game as long as there's no setbacks.

— Alex Forkner (@Alex_Forkner) October 12, 2016