Latest news with #DerrickBarnes
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Top 10 injury news of the Lions 2024 season - #10 Alex Anzalone's forearm fracture
Defensive injuries are going to take up a lot of this Detroit Lions top 10 injury news list, so let's get things started with Alex Anzalone who fractured his left forearm in week 11. Anzalone has been an extremely valuable player and captain since joining the team four years ago. One of his most memorable plays in a Lions uniform was when he sniffed out a 4th down play to help end the Packers playoff hopes in 2022. Losing him late last season was a big concern as the Lions had already lost a number of key defenders. Injury video from November 17, 2024 He ended up having plate and screws to fix the fracture, which left a lengthy scar. Anzalone forearm scar Impact of injury Despite the loss of this key cog in the middle of the defense, the Lions only lost one of the six games Anzalone missed. Credit to the team for sustaining their winning ways after already losing defensive starters Aidan Hutchinson, Marcus Davenport, and Derrick Barnes earlier. Advertisement Anzalone recovered in time to return for the final regular season game vs the Vikings and the playoff game vs the Commanders. Interesting tidbits ∎Anzalone played in a game just five days into his 21-day practice window. Typically and ideally, the practice window is timed to try to take advantage of as much of it as possible. The nature of his injury being an arm (not a leg) as well as the importance of the game (Lions vs Vikings - #1 seed to the winner) likely played a role in his early return in the window. ∎Some might say experience is the best teacher. Some might say pain is. Anzalone has both as he broke the same left forearm in college. Friendly fire injury Friendly fire injuries were a concern throughout the season and Anzalone's injury fell into that category. Here's the link to my article summarizing the 2024 friendly fire injuries. While Brian Branch was the one who laid the critical hit, I wouldn't place any blame on him as Anzalone was reaching simultaneously and was not close to having the runner wrapped up. Outlook Going forward, there are no significant concerns with Anzalone's forearm. He looked great when he returned, and his strong play should continue into next season. Off-the-field considerations The main concern as the season approaches may be off-the-field. He skipped the voluntary OTA for unstated reasons, but there are whispers it could be due to the desire for an extension. Advertisement The 2025 season will be his final one under his current contract. Anzalone starts the 2025 season at age 30 and turns 31 on September 22. Age is beginning to become a concern, but with no signs of athletic decline, it's possible the Lions will feel comfortable extending him this offseason. The forearm fracture should not have any impact on this decision. While the health issues are negligible, salary cap considerations are not. At the LB position, Derrick Barnes just received a 3-year deal worth up to $25.5 million with $16 million guaranteed, and the productive, 24-year-old Jack Campbell may be a priority extension next offseason. The Lions also have many younger players who are worthy of big-money extensions such as Aidan Hutchinson, Brian Branch, Jameson Williams, and Sam LaPorta. As training camp nears, it will be interesting to see how Anzalone's status plays out. This article originally appeared on Lions Wire: Top 10 injury news of Lions 2024 season - #10 Alex Anzalone's forearm
USA Today
07-03-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Lions sign an extension with LB Derrick Barnes
Lions sign an extension with LB Derrick Barnes The Detroit Lions dealt with more injuries than any other team, especially on defense, in 2024. It hindered their ability to go on a Super Bowl despite going 15-2 in the regular season. Thankfully, there is some good news that is accompanying one of their key defensive starters they lost as they head into 2025. Ian Rapoport announced on Friday morning that the Lions had reached an agreement with linebacker Derrick Barnes on a contract extension. Rapoport says the extension is for three years and $25.5 million, which will significantly increase Barnes's salary from his rookie contract. This will also be considered another draft hit for Brad Holmes and his front office. Derrick Barnes was drafted by the Lions in the fourth round of the 2021 NFL Draft after a college career at Purdue. He only played in three games in 2024, but 2023 saw him break out and become one of the playmakers on a tough Lions defense. He accumulated 81 total tackles, five tackles for loss, five quarterback hits, a sack, and a forced fumble in 16 games during the 2023 season. The Lions extending him means they are expecting more of that type of production and disruption going forward, which should be a safe assumption by the team.
USA Today
21-02-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Lions mock draft 3.0: Pre-Combine edition
The NFL calendar speeds into the Scouting Combine for the final week of February. With everyone who's anyone heading to Indianapolis for the annual scouting extravaganze and de facto NFL meetings, it's a good time to reset the Detroit Lions with another mock draft. No trades in this one, but there are a couple of conditions to help set up the roster and needs. Before the draft scenario here, the Lions re-signed CB Carlton Davis and LB Derrick Barnes as free agents, but saw DL Levi Onwuzurike, EDGE Marcus Davenport and S Ifeatu Melifonwu depart as free agents and RG Kevin Zeitler retire. The first mock draft scenario can be found here. The post-Senior Bowl mock draft is here. With an emphasis on players who fit the Lions football culture and expected schemes, as well as reasonable expectations of being available at the draft slots, here's how this third Lions mock draft of the offseason plays out.
Yahoo
31-01-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Award-winning author visits central Illinois
EL PASO, Ill. (WMBD) — Author Derrick Barnes visited the Project XV Museum in El Paso Thursday night, speaking about his life and reading one of his most well-known books. Barnes typically writes children's books that celebrate black culture and depict black children doing everyday activities. He read his 2017 picture book 'Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut,' which won numerous awards, including a Newbery Honor and a Coretta Scott King award. The story is about a black boy and his experience getting a haircut in a barbershop, expressing themes like self-confidence. While his books often center around black characters, he believes the themes they represent are universal. 'We all want to be loved. We all want to be appreciated, laugh, have fun, and just live meaningful lives,' he said. Barnes grew up in Kansas City, Missouri, but currently lives in Charlotte with his wife and four sons. He appreciated getting the chance to speak at the museum. 'I never could have dreamed as a child that somebody would invite me to share my work, so I've had a great time in El Paso,' he said. Linda Foster, president of the Bloomington-Normal NAACP, was in attendance and described Barnes' presentation as 'exhilarating.' 'It's important for our people to see themselves in literature. He depicts how black boys can be proud of themselves,' she said. The Project XV Museum is a voting rights museum honoring David Strother, the first black man to vote in the state of Illinois. Barnes felt 'honored' to be invited to speak at the museum given its historical significance. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
