Surprise offseason medical concerns are extremely common in the NFL. Surgeries frequently happen in the offseason – some are disclosed, some are undisclosed. There was a mild concern with Derrick Barnes who had not been featured in offseason workout pictures early on. Let’s check in now for an update.
Here is the excerpt regarding Derrick Barnes from my Detroit Lions May 2026 Injury Updates: Part 2.
(Age at start of 2026 season in parentheses.)
Derrick Barnes, LB (26)
September 2024 – Right knee MCL/PCL with surgery which ended his season.September 2025 – Listed with right knee injury. Did not miss a game all season.
May 2026 – Maybe the Lions heard K-Dawg’s concern, as this offseason workout picture of Barnes was posted a couple days later…
Barnes did not miss a game in 2025 and looked healthy throughout, so there wasn’t any active reason for concern. However, he was coming off a severe right knee injury in 2024, and was listed with a right knee in Week 3 of 2025.There is always the possibility of residual cartilage damage or other issues that could have require a follow-up surgery this offseason. With his presence at offseason workouts, the likelihood of any residuals significantly decreases.
2026 OUTLOOK: Fully healthy entering the season with no concerns.
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This article originally appeared on Lions Wire: Detroit Lions May 2026 Offseason Workout Update: Derrick Barnes LB
Reporting by Jimmy Liao, MD, Lions Wire / Lions Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
