<\/p>\n
Detroit Lions linebacker Derrick Barnes was back at the team facility this week for the first time since his Week 3 leg injury that will likely cost him the rest of the 2024 season. For the past few months, Barnes has been in the very early stages of recovery after surgery to repair MCL and PCL tears. He\u2019s been doing physical therapy in West Lafayette while sporting crutches and a brace. Now, the crutches are gone, the brace is off, and he couldn\u2019t be more thrilled to join his teammates and coaches back in Allen Park.<\/p>\n
\u201cGot to see everybody, I got to see the coaches bring joy to me,\u201d Barnes said Wednesday in his first media appearance since the injury. \u201cThe coaches in there with me and we\u2019re laughing and giggling the whole time. So you know, it feels good.<\/p>\n
\u201cBeing away is just not for me. I can\u2019t. Me and Alex (Anzalone) were joking, I was like, \u2018Man, I won\u2019t miss football when I retire,\u2019 because it\u2019s like, all this work that I put in, the lifting and running. I was like, \u2018I ain\u2019t gonna miss that.\u2019 And then you get away and something like this happens, and I miss it all. So it feels good to be back.\u201d<\/p>\n
Barnes\u2019 rehab begins phase two back in Detroit. Working behind the scenes\u2014along with fellow injured defender Aidan Hutchinson\u2014Barnes began an intensive process this week with Lions director of player health and performance Brett Fischer. Both Fischer and Hutchinson are already pushing him to reach his goals, and Barnes was surprised by his progress already.<\/p>\n
\u201cI didn\u2019t know I was gonna be able to ride the bike today,\u201d Barnes said. \u201cGot on the bike. Did a little bit of walking inside of the water, which was good. My legs were super stiff. Today was the first day I felt kind of normal.\u201d<\/p>\n
Barnes didn\u2019t have a timeline for his recovery, and wouldn\u2019t say whether he\u2019s still aiming for a return this season. The focus is more on getting better each individual day. That said, he admitted the success of the team is an extra motivation to get back on the field as soon as possible.<\/p>\n
\u201cYeah, of course. A hundred percent,\u201d Barnes said. \u201cI mean, man, those guys out there balling, man, it\u2019s amazing to see. […] I think probably the game days is the most days where I feel down. I\u2019m like, \u2018Man, I really wish I was there.\u2019 But it brings me joy to see what his team is accomplishing.\u201d<\/p>\n
Barnes was injured against the Arizona Cardinals when tight end Tip Reiman crossed the formation and delivered a cut block directly into his right knee.<\/p>\n
\nDerrick Barnes R knee injury video
-Direct impact to knee, fortunately foot not planted
-Looks like lateral side hit which could cause MCL sprain.
-Placed on IR. If non-severe MCL, could be back in 4-6wks. pic.twitter.com\/WKYGHwaKbM<\/a><\/p>\n— Jimmy Liao MD | Detroit Lions Morning Rounds (@JimmyLiaoMD) September 25, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n