Detroit Lions linebacker Derrick Barnes couldn’t hold back a smile as he watched kicker Jake Bates drill the game-winning field goal, sealing a comeback victory for Detroit. Moments later, the sidelined linebacker reached for his phone, firing off responses to friends who’d been skeptical of the Lions’ chances earlier in the game.
“Right when the game was over, I went right back to talking (expletive),” Barnes said, laughing. “Texting everybody back.”
Barnes has been out of action since a knee injury in Week 3 but has been focused on recovery. Originally expected to miss the rest of the season, Barnes felt hopeful after a recent workout session, which marked surprising progress in his rehab.
“I don’t know honestly, I’m just taking it day by day,” he shared. “Today was a shock to me cause I did a lot of stuff that I didn’t think I would be able to do for another couple of weeks. So it’s moving fast, I’m gonna take it a day at a time and whatever they need me to do, I’m gonna do it.”
Barnes has already hit certain milestones ahead of schedule, including biking and water therapy. When asked if he’s recovering faster than anticipated, he responded with confidence.
Barnes is sharing rehab time with teammate and defensive end Aidan Hutchinson, who suffered a leg fracture in Week 6. “I will be,” Barnes said, hinting at a possible return alongside Hutchinson.
Reflecting on the knee injury he suffered from a controversial cut block by Cardinals tight end Trey McBride, Barnes didn’t hold back. While he accepts the play as part of the game, he believes it’s time for a change.
“Me personally, I think that it should be banned,” Barnes stated. “I think the offense gets a lot of leeway, more than the defense. It’s football. I’ve never been someone that complains about the hits, because I do the hitting. But then when I get hit, something like this happens. I don’t really agree with the play, but it is football. I would never wish that upon nobody.”
Watching his teammates thrive this season has kept Barnes motivated, even from the sidelines. The Lions are now 8-1, and Barnes hopes to join them in the postseason if his rehab continues progressing.
“It’s been fun. It’s really amazing,” Barnes said. “What the coaching staff has done, the players obviously. It’s great. I think prior to game days is when I feel most down because I really wish I was there, but it brings me joy to see what this team has accomplished.”