Michigan State forward Joey Hauser didn’t play in Michigan State’s last game against Eastern Michigan. Not that the Spartans necessarily needed him, as they cruised to an 83-59 win, but Hauser had started each of the team’s first 3 games and you never want to be down a starter this early in the year.

Fortunately, the issue doesn’t appear too serious. Had the game been against Big Ten competition, according to The Detroit Free Press’s Chris Solari, Hauser would have played.

“It is strictly precautionary on my part,” Spartan head coach Tom Izzo said of Hauser’s absence, per Solari. The injury, according to MLive.com, is a calf strain.

Hauser played 24 minutes in the team’s opener against Kansas, scoring 8 points to go with 7 boards and 3 assists. He was uber-productive in 22 minutes against Western Michigan the next time out, posting a 12-point, 12-rebound double-double to go with 4 assists, 2 steals, and a block. Against Butler, Hauser played 23 minutes but missed all 6 of his shots in the game.

The senior will look to return to the lineup when the Spartans open play at the Battle 4 Atlantis tournament in the Bahamas on Wednesday, Nov. 24. Tip-off is set for noon ET on ESPN.