Barnes (knee) registered 81 tackles, 1.0 sacks and one forced fumble over 16 regular-season games in 2023.

EDGE Analysis

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.

EDGE Analysis

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.

EDGE Analysis

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.

EDGE Analysis

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.

EDGE Analysis

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.

EDGE Analysis

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 appears that the issue will likely stop him from suiting up Sunday. If Barnes is unable to go 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.

EDGE Analysis

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.

EDGE Analysis

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.

EDGE Analysis

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.

EDGE Analysis

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.