Linebacker Derrick Barnes has missed a substantial portion of Detroit Lions training camp, but the fourth-round rookie looks like a full go for Friday night’s preseason opener against the Buffalo Bills at Ford Field.
Barnes took part in padded drills on Tuesday and then again saw significant action in Wednesday’s de facto walkthrough practice. The rookie from Purdue has been dealing with a hamstring issue that dates back to the Lions’ minicamp in June.
After that last practice, Barnes indicated he’s stayed ready and is anxious to show what he can do for the home fans.
“Mental reps is key. Coach tells me that every day. Mental reps is key,” Barnes said. “When we get inside the film room, obviously focusing in on that. Getting treatment, making sure my body is right so when I do come back, I can come out and perform. That’s been the main steps. Kinda getting back into the groove of things now, which is exciting. I get to play in the game Friday, which is also exciting to me.”
Barnes faces stiffer competition than originally anticipated at the inside (off-ball) linebacker spots. Anthony Pittman and Shaun Dion Hamilton have both had very impressive training camps, and holdovers Jalen Reeves-Maybin and Jahlani Tavai are looking to make positive in-game impressions, too. With Barnes having been limited so much in camp, it will be interesting to see how much action he sees against Buffalo.
