The Detroit Lions have placed two key defensive players on injured reserve.
On Tuesday, defensive end Marcus Davenport and linebacker Derrick Barnes were added to IR following significant injuries during Detroit’s Week 3 win over the Arizona Cardinals. Davenport tore his triceps, while Barnes sustained a knee injury.
In corresponding moves, the Lions added wide receiver Tim Patrick to the active roster. Cornerback Morice Norris also joined the practice squad.
Head coach Dan Campbell confirmed that Davenport’s injury would end his 2024 season after just two games. Davenport, a free agent acquisition, was expected to play a pivotal role on Detroit’s defensive front.
Throughout his seven-year NFL career, injuries have hindered Davenport, who has never completed a full season. Drafted in the first round by the New Orleans Saints in 2018, he has recorded 24 career sacks.
Barnes’ knee injury occurred during Detroit’s 20-13 victory over Arizona in Week 3, following a low block from Cardinals offensive tackle Paris Johnson Jr. Coach Campbell announced Monday that Barnes would be sidelined for an extended period.
Barnes, with 10 tackles in three games, had a standout 2023 season, finishing with 81 tackles, including five for loss, and one sack. He also secured a memorable playoff interception to seal the Divisional Round win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Entering the final year of his rookie deal, Barnes was drafted by Detroit in the fourth round of the 2021 NFL Draft.
Campbell mentioned Josh Paschal as the likely replacement for Davenport, while the Lions boast depth at linebacker with options like Malcolm Rodriguez, Jalen Reeves-Maybin, Ben Niemann, Trevor Nowaske, and starters Jack Campbell and Alex Anzalone.
