The Detroit Lions are currently managing injuries on both offense and defense. Tight end Sam LaPorta remains sidelined from practice with an ankle injury, and several players, including defensive end Marcus Davenport and right tackle Connor Galvin, are on IR.

Compounding these issues, the Lions have officially placed star linebacker Derrick Barnes on IR. Barnes sustained a knee injury during Sunday’s victory against the Arizona Cardinals, ruling him out for at least four games.

According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, the Lions have confirmed the move, calling Barnes a key defensive player. His absence is a significant blow to head coach Dan Campbell.

Barnes has been a starting linebacker and one of the Lions’ strongest defensive assets. In 2024, he recorded 10 tackles, with eight being solo. He became a postseason hero in 2023 by intercepting a Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ pass, securing the Lions’ win and their first NFC Championship appearance since 1991.

Drafted in the fourth round of the 2021 NFL Draft from Purdue, Barnes has been with the Lions since 2021. At Purdue, he logged 225 total tackles, 158 solo, along with 10.5 sacks and an interception.

Since joining Detroit, Barnes has become a defensive cornerstone, amassing 205 tackles, four sacks, one interception, and four passes defended in his career.

Barnes is eligible to return in Week 8 when the Lions face the Green Bay Packers, though his status depends on the severity of his knee injury.

Despite the challenges, the Lions are 2-1 and remain playoff contenders in the NFC. They face the Seattle Seahawks, Dallas Cowboys, and Minnesota Vikings in the next three games.

All three matchups will be tough, especially without Barnes on defense, but head coach Dan Campbell is expected to motivate his team as he has in the past two seasons.