Linebacker Derrick Barnes, who has become a key piece of a defense that has become very good, was on the lengthy list of injuries for the Detroit Lions coming out of the Week 3 win over the Arizona Cardinals when he exited with a knee injury and did not return.
On Monday, head coach Dan Campbell acknowledged Barnes would be "down a significant amount of time." As for a possible placement on IR, Campbell wouldn't go there just yet.
"We’re not going to know that,” Campbell on Barnes being placed on injured reserve. “We’re still getting second opinions on that. What we know right now is he’s going to be down a little while. We know that, and then it’s just a matter of these opinions keep coming back, how long is that going to be? It’s the knee, so is he going to need something done other than one of the ligaments? Can it scar in? Can these ligaments scar in and everything will be good, it just needs time? We know he’s going to need to be down for a little while while the knee heals, and then once it heals, is it going to need surgery?”
Here's a look at the play Barnes got injured on.
Here's the play where Lions LB Derrick Barnes gets hit low and exits the game with a knee injury. Pretty unfortunate. #OnePride pic.twitter.com/Ul4w5IU23h
— Russell Brown (@RussNFLDraft) September 24, 2024
Lions LB Derrick Barnes reportedly headed to IR
According to a report from ESPN's Jeremy Fowler Tuesday afternoon, there's a "good chance" Barnes will be placed on IR.
Source: ‘Good chance’ #Lions place linebacker Derrick Barnes (knee) on Injured Reserve. Would give Barnes at least four weeks while the team and player sort through the injury and gather opinions.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) September 24, 2024
Barnes brings a unique skill set to the Lions' linebacking corps, with the ability to play the SAM role as well as off the ball. They don't have a direct replacement. Jalen Reeves-Maybin and Ben Niemann took some snaps in the SAM spot after Barnes left Sunday's game, but are not greatly suited for the role. James Houston doesn't seem like an option, based on Campbell's words over the last couple weeks. Practice squaders Isaac Ukwu and Mitchell Agude got some run in the SAM role during training camp, and could be options for promotion to the 53-man roster.
Barnes landing on IR is no surprise. Fowler's report should lead to official confirmation from the Lions before too long.
Update, 4:15 p.m. ET: The Lions have placed Barnes on IR.
#Lions announce roster moves:
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) September 24, 2024
Placed LB Derrick Barnes and DL Marcus Davenport on Reserved/Injured
Signed WR Tim Patrick to the Active Roster
Signed DB Morice Norris to the Practice Squad