Detroit Lions linebacker Derrick Barnes was injured during Week 3 against the Arizona Cardinals, and the extent of his absence was initially unclear.
Even after the Lions placed him on injured reserve last week, there was hope he might return after missing a month or two.
However, that no longer seems likely. During his Monday afternoon press conference, coach Dan Campbell shared a discouraging update on Barnes.
“I think we’ll be lucky to have him back at any point this year,” Campbell said. “I don’t want to rule it out completely, but I think it would be very fortunate if it happens.”
Barnes sustained a lower-body injury after being hit with a low block from Cardinals tight end Trey McBride.
This is a significant setback for the team, as Barnes was their starting SAM linebacker, a position with many responsibilities.
He served as a pass rusher, helped in stopping the run, and could drop back into coverage. Since joining the team as a fourth-round pick in 2021, coaches have been impressed by his development.
“Barnes has put in the work, offseason and during the season, and he’s become a full professional,” linebackers coach Kelvin Sheppard said after Week 1. “This job means everything to him, outside of his family. I know this is all he focuses on.”
“He’s playing five positions during games, not just in practice or as a backup. He’s doing it live in games without hesitation. For him to come this far since 2021, I give him a lot of credit. His progress is really headed upwards.”
This injury is tough for Barnes personally as well. He was hitting his stride, and now he’ll enter free agency in 2025.
The coaching staff clearly values his growth, but Detroit has other players, like Alim McNeill, Aidan Hutchinson, Levi Onwuzurike, Carlton Davis, and Kerby Joseph, who may receive extensions first.
