For the first time since then suffered a serious knee injury During Detroit's Week 3 win at Arizona, starting SAM LB Derrick Barnes met with the media. Barnes told reporters more details about the injury and his progress in recovery after surgery.
“The ACL was fine,” Barnes said, noting he tore his ACL and ACL in his right knee in the game. “Thank God I woke up and he said he didn’t have anything to do with the ACL.”
Barnes is making progress, but it's tediously slow. He has just started riding a stationary bike and will not be cleared for strength training until the next few weeks. The 25-year-old won't be one of the players the Lions want to bring back as the team pushes into the playoffs.
“I didn’t know I could ride a bike today,” Barnes said. “I got on my bike and went for a little walk in the water, which was good for me. And my leg was super stiff and today is the first day I felt somewhat normal and it's been pretty good.”
It's a contract year for Barnes and he was ready to capitalize on his steadily improving play. The injury represents a major kink in that chain of events, although Barnes doesn't seem too worried about his next NFL payday.
“I am a God-fearing man and believe in the Lord and the things He has for me.”