Derrick Barnes Injury News & Updates

Barnes tallied five tackles (two solo), including 1.0 sacks, and a defensed pass in Sunday's 24-9 win over Tampa Bay.

Barnes tied for third on Detroit in tackles in the win. One of his stops was a second-quarter sack of Baker Mayfield for a six-yard loss. That pushed Barnes to 3.0 sacks on the campaign, setting a new career-high mark.

Barnes finished with four tackles in a loss to Kansas City on Sunday.

Barnes had a quiet game against the Chiefs, posting a season-low four tackles. Through six weeks, he's tallied 38 stops, including 2.0 sacks.

Barnes notched seven tackles (five solo), including 1.0 sacks, in a 37-24 victory against the Bengals on Sunday.

Barnes finished second on Detroit in stops in the win. His final tackle was a sack of Jake Browning in the end zone late in the fourth quarter that resulted in a safety to essentially ice the outcome. Barnes has 2.0 sacks this season, which already ties the career-high mark he established as a rookie in 2021.

Barnes compiled seven total tackles (two solo) in Sunday's 34-10 win over Cleveland.

Barnes remained rather consistent in terms of his production in Week 4, reaching at least six takedowns for the fourth consecutive game to open the year. The linebacker has now recorded 26 total tackles (12 solo), including 1.0 sacks, to this point in the season.

Barnes (knee) has no injury designation ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Browns, Eric Woodyard of ESPN.com reports.

The Purdue product was a limited participant in practice both Wednesday and Thursday due to a knee injury. However, he upgraded to a full session Friday, suggesting he's ready to play in Sunday's affair. Barnes has recorded 19 total tackles, including 1.0 sacks, over Detroit's first three games this season. He's expected to serve as one of the team's top outside linebackers in Week 4.

Barnes (knee) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice.

Barnes has been working through a knee injury that he likely picked up during the Lions' 38-30 win over the Ravens on Monday. A full session Friday would likely clear Barnes of an injury tag heading into Sunday's home game against the Browns. The 2021 fourth-rounder has opened the regular season with 19 tackles (10 solo), including 1.0 sacks, across three games.

Barnes (knee) was listed as a limited participant on Wednesday's estimated injury report.

Barnes was able to compile seven total tackles (four solo), including 1.0 sacks, in Monday's 38-30 win over the Ravens, but he may have left the contest a little worse for wear. The linebacker will have two more chances to log a full practice prior to Sunday's contest against the Browns.

Barnes posted seven tackles (four solo), including 1.0 sacks, in a 38-30 Week 3 win against the Ravens on Monday.

Barnes registered one of Detroit's seven sacks when he brought down Lamar Jackson on a third-down play early in the fourth quarter, causing Baltimore to settle for a field goal. The veteran linebacker has recorded 19 tackles through three contests to begin the campaign.

Barnes (knee/finger) was cleared to practice Friday, Nolan Bianchi of The Detroit News reports.

Barnes was limited to just three regular-season games in 2024 after injuring his MCL and PCL in Week 3 against the Cardinals. The 2021 fourth-rounder returned to practice earlier this week, and although he left Thursday's session early due to a finger injury, he was cleared to participate in Friday's session. Barnes logged 81 tackles (42 solo), including 1.0 sacks, and one forced fumbles over 16 regular-season games in 2023.

Detroit signed Barnes (knee) to a three-year, $25.5 million extension Friday, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reports.

Barnes only played in three games in the 2024 season due to suffering damage to his MCL and PCL in Week 3 at Arizona, and the Lions' defense seemed to feel the impact of his absence the rest of the way. He projects to start at one of Detroit's linebacker spots in 2025.

Lions head coach Dan Campbell said Tuesday he does not expect Barnes (knee) to return from IR during the playoffs, Nolan Bianchi of The Detroit News reports.

Barnes landed on IR back in Week 3 due to a knee injury, and while it initially appeared he could make a push to retake the field late in the playoffs, the fourth-year linebacker will instead turn his full attention toward the 2025 campaign. He's slated to become an unrestricted free agent this offseason.

Barnes (knee) told reporters Wednesday that he's not ruling out a return this season, Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press reports.

Barnes has been sidelined since sustaining injuries to his MCL and PCL in Detroit's Week 3 win over the Cardinals. He indicated there's a chance of a return this year, but it sounded as if the odds appear slim. The fourth-year pro recorded 10 total tackles and one pass defended across 114 defensive snaps before sustaining his injuries. If he's able to return later this season, he'll likely serve as a depth piece in the Lions' linebacker corps.

Head coach Dan Campbell said Monday that the team will be fortunate to get Barnes (knee) back at any point this year, Colton Pouncy of The Athletic reports.

Barnes was placed on injured reserve Sept. 24 after suffering the injury in Week 3 against the Cardinals. Although the details of his injury are not known, it has been mentioned previously by Campbell that he would miss a significant amount of time.

The Lions placed Barnes (knee) on injured reserve Tuesday.

Barnes will miss at least Detroit's next four games due to a knee injury sustained in Sunday's 20-13 win over the Cardinals. Coach Dan Campbell alluded to a significant recovery timetable for Barnes, so it's possible the starting linebacker could be out longer. Malcolm Rodriguez played a season-high 87 percent of defensive snaps Week 3 and figures to continue handling an expanded role versus the Seahawks on Sunday.

Head coach Dan Campbell told reporters Monday that Barnes (knee) will miss "a significant amount of time," Tim Twentyman of the Lions' official site reports.

Barnes was carted off during the second quarter of Sunday's win with a knee injury, and following Campbell's comments Monday, it appears Barnes won't be returning to the field anytime soon. Campbell also told reporters that the Lions are searching for second opinions on Barnes' knee, but the 25-year-old is expected to be placed on injured reserve and miss significant time regardless, per Nolan Bianchi of The Detroit News.

The Lions downgraded Barnes (knee) to out for the remainder of Sunday's game against the Cardinals.

Barnes was carted to the locker room in the first half, so this was the logical endgame for the linebacker. Jack Campbell and Malcolm Rodriguez are likely to soak up the snaps for Detroit in the linebacker corps.

Barnes exited Sunday's game against the Cardinals with a knee injury and is questionable to return, Eric Woodyard of ESPN.com reports.

Barnes had to be carted to the locker room in the second quarter. Prior to leaving, Barnes recorded one tackle (one solo). Starting LB Alex Anzalone (concussion) is already inactive for Week 3. Ben Niemann and Jalen Reeves-Maybin will be next up for snaps at linebacker for Detroit.

Barnes (knee) participated in OTAs Wednesday.

Barnes was injured on the first defensive series of the NFC Championship Game against the 49ers and never returned, but the issue clearly wasn't overly serious, and Barnes should be fine for a normal offseason. He started 13 of the 16 games he appeared in last season, finishing with a career-best 81 tackles (42 solo), one sack and one forced fumble on a career-high 705 defensive snaps.

Barnes (knee) registered 81 tackles, one sack and one forced fumble over 16 games in 2023.

A strong summer propelled Barnes into the Week 1 starting lineup over first-round rookie Jack Campbell, and Barnes maintained a large role within Detroit's defense even as Campbell's role increased throughout the year. No play was bigger for Barnes than his game-sealing interception of Baker Mayfield in the playoffs to send Detroit to the NFC championship game in which Barnes hurt his knee after just three plays. While the linebacker said at the time that he believed he avoided structural damage to his knee, per Kyle Meinke of MLive.com, it is not clear if Barnes -- who is entering the final year of his contract -- will be ready for offseason workouts in mid-April.

Barnes (knee) is questionable to return to Sunday's NFC Championship Game against the 49ers.

Barnes sustained the knee injury on the 49ers' first drive of the game. While he's sidelined, James Houston and Jalen Reeves-Maybin are candidates to see more snaps at outside linebacker alongside starter Jack Campbell.

Barnes recorded five tackles (three solo) in Saturday's 20-19 loss at Dallas.

Barnes looked like he was more or less back to his old self in his return from his shoulder injury, racking up tackles at a rate similar to what he had the rest of the season up to Week 17. However, he'll probably remember Saturday's game for a tackle he didn't make, when he came in unblocked on a blitz and missed a clear shot at Dak Prescott in the Cowboys' end zone. Barnes' missed opportunity for a safety turned into a 92-yard catch and run for CeeDee Lamb, which was arguably the difference in a one-point loss. Detroit hosts the Vikings in Week 18.

Barnes (shoulder) was listed as a full participant on the Lions' practice estimate Tuesday, Eric Woodyard of ESPN.com reports.

The estimation signals Barnes is probably on track to play in Week 17 at Dallas. If he is available, he projects to start at linebacker next to Alex Anzalone and Jack Campbell on Saturday.

Barnes (shoulder) is inactive ahead of Sunday's game against the Vikings.

Barnes suffered a shoulder injury in the Lions' Week 15 win over the Broncos, and he was listed as doubtful after a week of limited practice sessions, so it's no surprise that he'll miss the team's Christmas Eve divisional contest. Jalen Reeves-Maybin is expected to see more work in Detroit's linebacker corps with Barnes missing time.

Barnes (shoulder) is listed as doubtful ahead of Sunday's game against the Vikings.

The 24-year-old linebacker was able to return in the second-half Week 15's contest after sustaining a shoulder injury earlier in the game, but it now seems as if this issue will likely stop him from suiting up Sunday. If Barnes is unable to go in Week 16, Jalen Reeves-Maybin is expected to get the nod as the team's top right outside linebacker.

Barnes (shoulder) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice.

Barnes injured his shoulder in the second quarter of Saturday's win over Denver but was able to return after halftime. That and his ability to practice Wednesday (albeit in limited fashion) are good signs that he'll be able to suit up Sunday versus the Vikings. Barnes has already set career highs with 577 defensive snaps and 71 tackles through 14 games this season. He's added one sack and one forced fumble.

Barnes (shoulder) returned to Saturday's game against the Broncos, Justin Rogers of The Detroit News reports.

Barnes suffered the injury in the first half and there appeared to be significant concern about his status. However, he returned to start the second half and should play a significant role in Detroit's linebacker corps.

Barnes is questionable to return to Saturday's game against the Broncos due to a shoulder injury, Justin Rogers of The Detroit News reports.

Barnes was hurt in the second quarter and was spotted doing range of motion tests with the training staff before exiting the contest. The severity of the issue remains unclear.

Barnes recorded nine total tackles (three solo), including one tackle for loss in Sunday's 33-28 win over the Saints.

Barnes' nine stops were enough to tie Jack Campbell for the Lions' leading tackler in Week 13. The third-year linebacker out of Purdue is quietly having the best season of his career, as he's logged 61 total tackles, including four tackles for loss and 1.0 sack through Detroit's first 12 games. Barnes ranks second on the Lions in total tackles, and he'll look to continue his stretch of solid play as the year goes on.

Barnes (lower body) was not listed on Detroit's injury report Wednesday.

Barnes was forced out of Thursday's game at Green Bay with cramps, but he now appears to be back to full strength for Week 5. He'll resume his starting role at linebacker next to Alex Anzalone and Jack Campbell.

Barnes (lower-body) is questionable to return to the Lions' contest with the Packers on Thursday night, Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press reports.

Barnes is dealing with some lower-body cramps and he may not be able to reenter the game. In his absence, Anthony Pittman will likely see an increase in workload.

Barnes logged six tackles with one TFL during Thursday's 21-20 win over the Chiefs.

Barnes drew the start at linebacker next to Alex Anzalone, and he ended up tying his counterpart for the team lead in tackles despite seeing about half of the defensive snaps. However, Barnes averaged just 4.3 tackles per game while operating in a similar role down the stretch of last season, and Barnes only figures to see less playing time as the season unfolds given the presence of first-round draft pick Jack Campbell.

Barnes (knee) has been cleared to play in Saturday's game versus the Panthers.

Barnes has been sidelined for the Lions' previous two games while nursing a knee injury. However, he logged limited workloads at practice all this week and appears to be ready to return to his usual role, assuming he avoids any setbacks.

Barnes (knee) is listed as questionable for Saturday's game against the Panthers.

Barnes has missed the last two games while dealing with a knee injury, though it appears he could be in line to return after returning to practice in a limited fashion Week 16. The second-year linebacker has recorded 39 tackles, one sack and one pass defended over 12 games this season, and he'll likely return to a rotational role alongside Malcolm Rodriguez and Alex Anzalone when healthy again.

Barnes (knee) is out for Sunday's game against the Jets, Tim Twentyman of the Lions' official site reports.

Barnes couldn't practice in any capacity during the week and is now set for his second consecutive absence. The Lions used a committee to account for Barnes' absence in Week 14, and that seems to be the most likely outcome once again against the Jets.

Barnes (knee) has been ruled out for Sunday's matchup against the Vikings.

Barnes didn't practice at all during Week 14 prep due to a knee injury he presumably suffered in Week 13, so it's not surprising to see him ruled out. In Barnes' absence, James Houston, Anthony Pittman and Chris Board are candidates for increased snaps.

Barnes recorded seven tackles (six solo) during Sunday's 31-18 victory versus the Giants.

Barnes logged his third-best tackling performance of the season as the Lions rolled over the Giants in Week 11. While the linebacker did the majority of his work on defense (36 snaps), he also added one solo tackle over his 14 special-teams snaps. After playing just 88 defensive snaps and totaling 13 tackles over the first seven weeks of the season, Barnes has totaled 21 tackles while playing 119 of his 137 snaps on defense over the past three weeks.

Barnes recorded 12 tackles (four solo), including one sack, and added one pass defensed in the Week 9 15-9 win over Green Bay.

Detroit's defense stymied Aaron Rodgers and the Packers all afternoon, and Barnes played a big part in that, more than doubling his previous season high with 12 stops. He also registered his first sack of the campaign when he brought down Rodgers after Green Bay had passed midfield late in the second quarter. Barnes played on 67 percent of the Lions' defensive snaps in the victory, by far his highest number so far this season.

Barnes is expected to be in the mix for a starting job at linebacker in 2022, Tim Twentyman of the Lions' official site reports.

With Alex Anzalone and Jalen Reeves-Maybin set for unrestricted free agency next month, Barnes and Josh Woods technically enter the offseason atop the depth chart at inside linebacker. However, the 2021 fourth-round Purdue product may have a stronger hold on his perch than the undrafted Woods, who has 20 less tackles through four years than Barnes racked up during his rookie season alone. Unless Detroit makes more than one significant investment at the position this offseason, Barnes seems like a good bet for an IDP-friendly role in 2022 and possibly beyond.

Barnes had seven tackles (four solo) during Sunday's 44-6 loss to Philadelphia.

Barnes played only 24 defensive snaps in the blowout loss but was consistently around the ball and tied for the team lead in tackles. The rookie fourth-round pick has yet to play more than a rotational role so far this season.

Barnes recorded nine tackles and a pass defended in Sunday's 34-11 loss to the Bengals.

Barnes played just under half of the defensive snaps, though that didn't stop him from leading the team in tackles. After recording only six stops through three games to begin the campaign, Barnes has combined to tally 20 tackles across across his last three contests.

With Detroit expected to move on from Jamie Collins, Barnes is positioned for an expanded role on defense, Chris Burke of The Athletic reports.

Burke notes that head coach Dan Campbell suggested this week that Barnes likely won't directly step into Collins' starting role and log close to 100 percent of the snaps. Instead, Alex Anzalone is expected to remain a key cog at inside linebacker while Barnes and Jalen Reeves-Maybin rotate in beside him. However, Reeves-Maybin has mostly been a special-teams player through five seasons in the league and Barnes is a fourth-round rookie who has impressed with his pass-rushing and tackling ability, so it wouldn't be a surprise if Detroit gives Barnes more and more playing time as the season unfolds.