Derrick Barnes will not be playing in Week 16 for the Detroit Lions against the Vikings, as he is listed as inactive.
The Detroit Lions have disclosed their inactive players for Week 16 in anticipation of their clash with the Minnesota Vikings.
Heading into the matchup, the Lions are notably in good health, boasting a full 53-man roster. To bolster their game-day lineup, kicker Michael Badgley and tight end Anthony Firkser have been elevated, augmenting the active roster to a total of 55 players.
With eight offensive linemen active, the Lions are permitted to expand the game-day roster from 47 to 48 players. Consequently, with 54 players designated for the game-day roster and 48 eligible to play, the Lions must declare seven players inactive for the upcoming matchup.
The following players are inactive for the Lions:
1. QB Hendon Hooker — designated as the team’s emergency quarterback
2. TE Brock Wright (hip) — Ruled OUT
3. LB Derrick Barnes (shoulder) — Originally ruled doubtful
4. CB Jerry Jacobs (hamstring) — Ruled OUT
5. WR Antoine Green
6. DT Brodric Martin
7. CB Steven Gilmore
Despite Hooker’s recent addition to the active roster, the presence of healthy quarterbacks Jared Goff and Teddy Bridgewater means the rookie will serve as the “emergency quarterback” per the NFL’s new rule, allowing for in-game promotion in the event of injuries to both Goff and Bridgewater.
With Wright sidelined, the Lions are expected to distribute increased responsibilities to Sam LaPorta and James Mitchell, the latter stepping into the TE2 role this week. Additionally, newly elevated Firkser is set to make his regular-season debut with the Lions.
Barnes, though returning from injury in the previous game, has been limited in practice and is ruled out for this matchup. Rookie Jack Campbell will assume a larger role, sharing the MIKE linebacker position with Jalen Reeves-Maybin and Malcolm Rodriguez.
Jacobs’ absence paves the way for Chase Lucas to return to the field, primarily contributing to special teams and serving as a deep reserve option.
In line with a healthy roster, several rookies, including Green, Martin, and Gilmore, are once again excluded.
The Vikings’ inactive players include:
1. QB Joshua Dobbs
2. WR Jalen Nailor (concussion) — Ruled OUT
3. TE Nick Muse
4. RT Brian O’Neill (ankle)
5. G Chris Reed
6. CB Byron Murphy Jr. (hamstring) — Ruled OUT
7. S Lewis Cine