Tag: Derrick Barnes

Derrick Barnes talks about his knee injury and next NFL contract

Lions LB Derrick Barnes talks about his knee injury and next NFL contract

For the first time since suffering a major knee injury in Detroit’s Week 3 win in Arizona, starting SAM LB Derrick Barnes met with the media. Barnes told reporters more specifics about the injury and his progress in recovery from surgery.

“ACL was fine,” Barnes said, noting that he did tear the PCL and MCL in his right knee on the play. “Thank God I woke up and he said he didn’t have to do anything with the ACL.”

Barnes is progressing, but it’s arduously slow. He just started riding a stationary bike and won’t be cleared for weight-bearing exercise for weeks. The 25-year-old won’t be one of the players the Lions aim to bring back if (when) the team goes on a deep playoff run.

“I didn’t know I was going to be able to ride the bike today,” Barnes said. “Got on the bike, a little bit of walking inside the water, which was good for me. And my leg’s been super stiff and today is the first day I felt kind of normal and it’s been pretty well.”

It’s a contract year for Barnes, and he was poised to cash in on his steadily improving play. The injury puts a major kink in that chain of events, though Barnes doesn’t seem too concerned about his next NFL payday,

“I’m a God-fearing man and I believe in the Lord and the things he’s got for me.”

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Dan Campbell ‘fired up’ at the Lions new SAM linebacker

Dan Campbell ‘fired up’ at the Lions new SAM linebacker, local product Trevor Nowaske

Now that it appears the injury to Detroit SAM linebacker Derrick Barnes could very well be a season-ender, the Lions are working on filling Barnes’ considerable shoes in the defensive front. The bye week helped head coach Dan Campbell and the Lions identify their top replacement.

No, it’s not from the outside. The Lions are planning on filling the hole internally with Trevor Nowaske, who was claimed off waivers at the roster cutdowns from the Arizona Cardinals.

Nowaske played in Detroit in 2023 as an undrafted rookie from D-II Saginaw Valley State, but the Cardinals poached him when the Lions had to finagle a roster move during the season. Detroit returned the favor in reclaiming the athletically superb Nowaske, a Detroit-area (Canton) native.

Campbell seems quite intrigued and excited by the prospect of Nowaske stepping into Barnes’ role.

“Yep, we like Now,” Campbell enthused before Wednesday’s practice ahead of Week 6. “We were fired up to get him back here. And certainly, that’s the role that we see him in is that SAM linebacker, some of the X on the third down position. So, I think yes there’s a place for him there and we just keep working with him. That’s the best way to say it.”

Campbell continued,

“He’s still a young player, he’s a developing player, and I think the best way to answer – we’re going to need all those guys and we’re going to use everything in our arsenal, especially in the linebacker room.”

Nowaske got a taste of action in the Lions’ Week 4 win over the Seahawks, playing 11 snaps–all in the basic Barnes role of SAM backer. That’s a specialized role in Aaron Glenn’s defense that primarily involves rushing the passer from a stand-up LB position, but also coverage drops and run blitzes/fills. It requires athleticism and quick reactions, two things Nowaske has shown in brief chances with both the Lions and Cardinals.

Lions Monday Medical Update after the bye week

Lions Monday Medical Update after the bye week on the status of Frank Ragnow, Brian Branch, Derrick Barnes and more from the bye week

Good news and bad news came out of Dan Campbell’s press conference on the Monday after the bye.

GOOD NEWS: Regarding the status of Frank Ragnow and Brian Branch, “They were both out there practicing today. As of right now, they look good.”

BAD NEWS: Regarding Derrick Barnes potential return, “It’s tough to say right now. We will be fortunate to get him at any point this year.”

With this information, here is my updated analysis of these players’ injuries:

Frank Ragnow left pec strain

Ragnow hurt his pec two weeks ago on September 22 with an expected short-term recovery. With the news that Ragnow is already practicing, that’s further evidence that the pec strain was not severe and may not have even involved the tendon. Expect him to play vs the Cowboys.

Brian Branch concussion/illness

Branch’s concussion was two weeks ago on September 22. He had cleared the protocol and was set to play last Monday night, but an unspecified illness the day prior sidelined him. Just speculating here, but there may have been a concern that some of the illness symptoms were possible post-concussion symptoms so giving him a game off was a “better-safe-than-sorry” move.

His doubtful designation (vs out) for last Monday implied that the illness was nothing long-term, thus neither the concussion nor the illness was expected to keep him out for the next game. With Branch practicing today, that means there have been no setbacks and he should play vs the Cowboys.

Derrick Barnes right knee

Barnes injury was on September 22 and video suggested a possible MCL sprain or more. Campbell’s comments today are not optimistic but there is still a chance Barnes could be back this year. It’s not a complete ACL tear as there would be no talk of a return.

Lions bye week medical status report and outlook for return

Lions bye week medical status report and outlook for return for players like Frank Ragnow, Derrick Barnes, Ifeatu Melifonwu and more

With four games in the books and entering the bye week, it’s a good time to recap where the Lions are at from a medical standpoint. Overall, despite some injuries, the Lions are in good shape coming out of the bye.

Not listed here are a couple pending concerns from the Seahawks game in Kerby Joseph and Carlton Davis (see my postgame article for details).

MAJOR LOSSES

Marcus Davenport, DE

Davenport missed game two due to a groin injury and game four due to a left elbow injury. The elbow is expected to be a season-ender.

Signed to a 1-year contract as a free agent, the Lions were hoping that Davenport would solidify the edge position opposite Aidan Hutchinson.

With Davenport out, Levi Onwuzurike, Josh Paschal, and James Houston will have increased opportunities.

Derrick Barnes, LB

This versatile LB took a direct impact on his right knee in game three, which may have caused a hyperextension, MCL sprain, and possibly more. He was placed on IR after the game.

The earliest he could return is Week 9 vs the Packers, but he’s expected to be out longer than that with the possibility it’s even a season-ender.

With Barnes out, Malcolm Rodriguez and Ben Niemann saw a big increase in snaps at the LB position against the Seahawks.

MINOR LOSSES

Frank Ragnow, C

This 2nd-team All-Pro is a major player, but he’s in the minor category because his left pec injury is not expected to be a long-term issue. He hurt the pec early in game three and missed game four.

The diagnosis is a partially-torn pec which translates to a grade 1 or 2 strain. If the strain is mild and does not involve the tendon, Ragnow could be back after the bye vs the Cowboys. Even if a longer recovery is needed, I would not expect him to be out much longer than that. He was not placed on IR which suggests an injury of less than four weeks.

To fill Ragnow’s void, Graham Glasgow moved from LG to C, and Kayode Awosika inserted at LG. Both played well against the Seahawks.

Ifeatu Melifonwu, S

A persistent ankle issue landed Melifonwu on IR before game four. The injury suffered likely in the second preseason game on August 17 was not initially expected to be a long-term issue, otherwise the Lions would have put him on IR much sooner. Melifonwu’s earliest possible return is in week nine vs the Packers.

If starters Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph stay healthy, Melifonwu’s absence is not a major problem. But if either go down, it would be valuable to have Melifonwu who made numerous splash plays in the second half of last season.

REINFORCEMENTS COMING SOON

Brodric Martin, DT

This 2023 3rd-round pick hyperextended his right knee on August 24 and was placed on IR at the 53-man cutdown. This means he could return to the team at any time now although Dan Campbell’s comments suggest he is not quite ready yet. I would expect him to start practicing sometime in the next three weeks.

With the loss of Davenport for the year, having Martin available on the defensive line will give the Lions more flexibility if they choose to play Levi Onwuzurike at the DE position.

Christian Mahogany, OG

The Lions 6th-round pick missed all of camp due to mononucleosis and started the season on NFI (non-football-injury). He is now eligible to return anytime and Dan Campbell says he is close.

His mono was likely diagnosed around July 20 and is typically a 3-4 week recovery unless there are complications like persistent splenomegaly. He was able to resume training before the start of the regular season which was a good sign.

Mahogany’s return is dependent on his strength, conditioning, and mental readiness. For a rookie who missed all of camp, the mental game might be the limiting factor.

I’m not expecting Mahogany to play much of a role this season, but any injuries to the guys ahead of him could change things in a hurry.

LONG RANGE HOPEFULS

Emmanuel Moseley, CB

After two straight ACL tears, Moseley tore his pec around August 5 this year. Assuming this was a complete rupture, expect a return around Thanksgiving if he follows the same 16-week timeline as CJ Gardner-Johnson of last year.

John Cominsky, DT/DE

An MCL tear on July 30 was complicated enough to require surgery. The initial estimated recovery was 5-6 months which would mean a return in January-February. Optimistically, the fact that Cominsky made the initial 53-man roster before being placed on IR means the Lions think there is a chance of a return this year.

Lions injury videos from the Cardinals game

Breaking down when the Lions injuries occurred and how they happened in the Week 3 win in Arizona

Unfortunately, the Lions suffered many injuries in the Cardinals game. Some were obvious at the time, some were not. Credit the players for battling through.

Here are the injury videos in chronological order. The initial injury report won’t be out until Thursday, so we’ll get more clarity then and hopefully won’t have any more surprises.

Dan Skipper 1q 14:16 right torso

Skipper might have landed on the defender’s elbow which could have caused a rib or torso contusion/strain. He was able to finish the game.

Terrion Arnold 1q 6:07 right knee

Hopefully, this is just a simple knee contusion but a mild sprain is possible. Arnold returned to the game and played well.

Ragnow 1q 1:51 left pec strain

Ragnow finished the game and was wearing a brace in the second half. See my article for more details about his outlook. 

Derrick Barnes 2q 12:07 right knee

Barnes left the game and has been placed on IR. Video suggests it could be an MCL sprain.

Sam LaPorta 2q 00:29 right low ankle sprain

Good chance LaPorta will be available on Monday but ankle won’t be fully healed.

Alim McNeill 2q 00:17 shoulder

McNeill might have hurt his left AC joint when he landed on the ground. Dan Campbell called it day-to-day.

Marcus Davenport 3q 6:45 left elbow

Video showed Davenport’s forearm getting chopped down while his elbow was in flexion. This could cause an elbow flexor tendon tear of the biceps or brachialis. He continued to try to play with an elbow brace but was hampered. He has been placed on IR and reportedly is out for the season.

Brian Branch 4q 6:06 concussion

Hopefully, we see Branch have a limited practice on Thursday but taking a game off might be a good idea.

Lions place 2 defensive starters on I.R., sign WR Tim Patrick to the active roster

The Detroit Lions place 2 defensive starters on I.R. and sign WR Tim Patrick to the active roster

Tuesday tends to be roster move day for the Detroit Lions, and that proved true even in an odd week where Tuesday is Monday, thanks to the schedule.

On a Tuesday where there was activity in Allen Park due to the Lions playing on Monday Night Football next week, the team made a couple of expected roster moves. Linebacker Derrick Barnes and EDGE Marcus Davenport were placed on injured reserve with injuries suffered in Detroit’s Week 3 win over the Cardinals in Arizona on Sunday.

Davenport is expected to miss the rest of the season. Barnes has some chance of playing later in the year, based on head coach Dan Campbell’s comments.

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With one of the roster openings, the Lions signed veteran WR Tim Patrick from the practice squad to the active roster. Patrick had been a game-day elevation in the past two games and was widely expected to earn a spot on the 53-man roster.

The other opening remains vacant for now. However, the Lions did sign rookie DB Morice Norris to the practice squad. Norris made some positive noise early in training camp as an undrafted free agent from Fresno State, and he can play cornerback or safety.

Lions Monday medical update for several players injured in Week 3 win

Lions Monday medical update for several players injured in Week 3 win, including Sam LaPorta, Alim McNeill, Derrick Barnes and more

There were some updates to Lions injuries on Monday including from Dan Campbell’s press conference. See my postgame article for my immediate thoughts with sideline videos.

I’m still here roasting away in Arizona so haven’t been able to watch the full game tape, but I’ve included some injury video here.

Marcus Davenport left elbow

This video shows his forearm getting chopped down while his elbow is in flexion. This mechanism could cause an elbow flexor muscle tear of the biceps or brachialis.

Unfortunately, Dan Campbell on Monday stated that “it looks like a season-ender”. Here is a detailed article by Jeff Risdon with options to fill Davenport’s role. 

Derrick Barnes right knee

The video looked like he took a shot directly to the right knee which can cause a hyperextension, bone bruise, and ligament sprains.

Campbell stated he’s “down for a significant amount of time” and alluded to a “ligament needing to scar in” and “once it heals, is he going to need surgery”. This strongly suggests a partial or complete knee ligament tear, possibly of the MCL based on the limited video.

While not great news, it does rule out worst-case scenarios like an ACL tear and gives hope he could be back this season.

Alim McNeill shoulder

He missed the 2nd half of the game, which was concerning. Good news was delivered Monday, though, as Campbell described the injury as “day to day”.

Sam LaPorta right low ankle sprain

Campbell described LaPorta as “day to day” which is consistent with a non-severe low ankle sprain. I’d expect him to get limited practices during the latter part of the week with a good chance of playing vs the Seahawks. The extra day before the next game on Monday night will serve him well.

Brian Branch concussion

Campbell stated he was “doing pretty good” on Monday. This suggests Branch is either asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic right now which increases the likelihood he’ll be ready next Monday.

Keep an eye on the initial injury report – a limited practice leans in; a no practice leans out.

 

Lions vs Cardinals postgame medical report

Lions vs Cardinals postgame medical report and prognosis on Brian Branch, Alim McNeill and more who were hurt during Detroit’s win

I was fortunate enough to see this victory in person along with thousands, maybe tens of thousands, of boisterous Lions fans who deserve a game ball for another impressive road showing. With the temperatures outside nearing 100 degrees, the excellent Cardinals stadium air conditioning deserves my other game ball.

With a good view of the Lions sideline, here are my observations from that vantage point. I haven’t had a chance to watch the game tape, so video review will come later in the week.

Sam LaPorta

The injury video looked like a right low ankle sprain caused by an inversion mechanism. He was carted to the locker room which was concerning but returned after halftime.

On the sideline, he looked springy and quick while doing movement drills. The ankle did not appear to be much of a concern as the training staff didn’t spend much time with him. His ankle was not taped on the outside of the shoe but could have had a light tape job under his sock.

LaPorta was able to return to the game throughout the 2nd half. While he will be sore and likely need extra rest this week, I don’t expect anything long-term.

Terrion Arnold

Arnold had dislocated his left index finger last week so it was nice to see there was no heavy splint on his fingers. He was catching passes well during warmups so I’m anticipating he should be able to intercept the ball without too much difficulty going forward.

During the game, he may have injured his right knee. On the sidelines, he was hobbling and grimacing while gingerly doing drills. The training staff spent a lot of time with him testing out his movement ability. His right knee was wrapped temporarily.

With how much discomfort he was displaying, I wasn’t expecting a return, but return he did and played pretty well too. Hopefully, this means the injury is something benign like a simple knee contusion.

Brian Branch

A big helmet-to-helmet hit obviously concussed both players. The injured Cardinal stumbled off while Branch was still down on the ground. It wasn’t clear if he had loss of consciousness. I didn’t observe any fencing which is good. He walked slowly to the locker room without any assistance.

Dan Skipper

Skipper got hurt early in the game. On the sideline, he was showing discomfort to his right back and side. He kept pointing to that area and doing torso side-stretches and rotations to test it out.

He was able to return to play but every time he was on the sideline, a wrap, presumably with heat, was placed to keep it loose. Laboring quite a bit on the sidelines, he was clearly doing his best to tough it out. I’m suspecting a muscle or rib strain of his right side which will be sore, but I don’t expect it to be long-term.

Penei Sewell

Players are often battling through injuries that don’t show up on the injury report. Sewell had injured his ankle two weeks ago but was unlisted this past week.

On the sideline, he occasionally had a wrap on his right ankle which I’m suspecting is for that injury from two weeks ago. This is something to keep in mind in case he occasionally has plays that don’t reflect his 1st-team All-Pro standard.

Derrick Barnes

On limited video, there was a possible right knee hyperextension. Recall last year in the conference championship game, he also had a right knee hyperextension.

A hyperextension can cause a bone bruise as well as knee ligament damage. We will see what the MRI results show. I don’t have any observations on the sideline and he did not return to the game.

Alim McNeill

McNeill left the game permanently with a shoulder injury. The only thing I saw was him walking very slowly as the last guy to the locker room at halftime.

Levi Onwuzurike

On the field, medical was evaluating his right knee. He was able to return for the rest of the game and seemed to be fine.

Alex Anzalone

Sitting this game out with a concussion, he was still totally mentally engaged on the sideline helping out with defensive calls and pumping up the fans. All good signs that he will be ready to go for next Monday night.

Lions postgame injury updates after the Week 3 win in Arizona

Lions postgame injury updates after the Week 3 win in Arizona, with info on Brian Branch, Derrick Barnes and more

The Detroit Lions came out on top in a physical battle in Arizona, besting the host Cardinals 20-13. Several Lions players suffered injuries during the Week 3 game.

DT Alim McNeill: The big man suffered an upper body injury on Arizona’s final drive of the second quarter. He was ruled out with a shoulder injury after the Cardinals’ first drive of the third quarter.

LB Derrick Barnes: Starting LB Derrick Barnes left with a knee injury very early in the game and was ruled out as the team returned to the field after halftime. He was injured on a cut block.

After the game, Lions head coach Dan Campbell indicated that the injuries to McNeill and Barnes were not expected to be season-ending. Campbell said of McNeill and Branch’s injuries,

“I can’t say they’re not going to be long-term. But I don’t feel like it’s something where we’re worried about season-ending.”

TE Sam LaPorta: No. 87 left on a cart just before halftime, apparently injured on the Lions’ third touchdown of the first half while blocking near the end zone. He was spotted with ice on his lower left leg on the sidelines. LaPorta did return to the game but wasn’t involved in the game plan.

CB Terrion Arnold: Rookie CB Arnold left in the first half with a knee injury but returned two drives later. He played throughout the second half.

DL Levi Onwuzurike: The versatile lineman briefly left the game in the first quarter but returned on the next series after testing out his legs on the sideline.

S Brian Branch: Branch left after a violent helmet-to-helmet collision late in the game. The team announced shortly after the game that Branch is in the NFL’s concussion protocol.

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Sorting out the Lions linebacker room after addition of Ben Niemann

Sorting out the Detroit Lions linebacker depth chart after addition of Ben Niemann and release of Steele Chambers

The Detroit Lions officially added free agent linebacker Ben Niemann to the roster. The 28-year-old joins the Detroit LB corps in time for the final OTAs before the extended break into training camp in late July.

The Lions released undrafted rookie linebacker Steele Chambers to make room for Niemann. That move gives a pretty good indication of how the Lions view their newcomer and his role. It also makes for a good time to refresh the view of Detroit’s linebacker depth chart.

Starters

This probably deserves an asterisk because the Lions might be morphing back to playing three linebackers in the base defense more often than they have the past few seasons with Aaron Glenn as the defensive coordinator. They’ve shown that look more in minicamp and OTAs than at any other time since Glenn took over the defense, but it’s important to note that it’s still primarily just two off-ball linebackers in the vast majority of sets.

Alex Anzalone is coming off his best season, setting career highs in tackles (129), sacks (3), PDs (6), QB hits (12) and TFLs (7). He is also the emotional leader and nerve center of the defense.

Jack Campbell has moved up into the first-team reps next to Anzalone when No. 34 plays and in Anzalone’s spot when the veteran didn’t participate in OTAs. The Lions are clearly grooming him for a full-time starting role in his second season after an up-and-down rookie campaign.

Derrick Barnes started with Anzalone last year, and he could still get starting reps as an off-ball LB. However, Barnes has been doing more of the SAM role this spring. In Detroit’s defense, that’s much more of a pass-rush role than a more reactionary and coverage role than Barnes has played. This is closer to the role he played collegiately at Purdue before morphing into an off-ball LB his first three seasons in Detroit.

This move could have a couple of root causes, both of which can be true but also coincidental.

Campbell could be ready for a bigger role and/or (likely both) the Lions are seeing how much more he can do in his second season. Barnes was also an adept pass rusher in college, and that could be a reflection that the team sees a bigger overall need for the defense than off-ball LB depth. That would keep an experienced Barnes on the field in more situations if some of the edge rushers (Marcus Davenport, James Houston, Mitchell Agude, Josh Paschal, Mathieu Betts) aren’t bringing the heat as well as hoped.

Reserves

Malcolm Rodriguez jumps right into the inside backer role in drills with the second-team defense. He has his limitations in range and coverage, but the fan favorite “Rodrigo” is a very good smart defender and good open-field tackler. He can be one of the best reserve backers in the league, and Rodriguez also proved he can capably fill in as the team’s fullback last season too.

Jalen Reeves-Maybin is primarily known for his special teams play, but the veteran proved he could handle business as a defensive reserve, too. His speed in the open field and quick reactions worked in coverage packages, and that could continue more in 2024. Reeves-Maybin and Rodriguez are omnipresent on special teams units, where Reeves-Maybin served as a captain and Rodriguez played extensively. That will continue in 2024 with the new kickoff rules.

Competing

Any remaining roster space at LB figures to be devoted exclusively to special teams. It’s the role Anthony Pittman played in Detroit for the last few seasons. Pittman is now with the Washington Commanders.

This is where Niemann fits in. He’s got over 80 NFL games under his belt, including 21 starts across six seasons. Fans of the Chiefs and Cardinals will opine that Niemann was much more capable on special teams than in actually playing linebacker. He did not have a defensive snap with the Broncos last season.

With Chambers now gone, the only other true off-ball LB on the roster is undrafted rookie DaRon Gilbert, a 218-pound Northern Illinois product who essentially played the same college role that Lions slot DB Brian Branch did at Alabama.