Packers activate rookie LB Krys Barnes from reserve/COVID-19 list after 3-game absence

For the past three weeks, the Green Bay Packers have been without the services of linebacker Krys Barnes. The undrafted rookie started seven games this season, several in place of the injured Christian Kirksey, and provided a nice little jolt on defense while recording an impressive 50 total tackles in eight total contests.

Barnes landed on the reserve/COVID-19 list following the Packers’ Thursday night victory in San Francisco, where he has been ever since. On Wednesday, however, he returned to practice ahead of the week 13 contest with the Philadelphia Eagles, and later in the afternoon the team formally announced his return to the active roster.

After Barnes’ reported positive COVID test, one other player was temporarily placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list as a high-risk close contact: his former high school teammate and current roommate, quarterback Jordan Love. Love returned to the active roster a few days later.

With Barnes back, the Packers have a bit more depth at linebacker. The team lost James Burgess for the year due to an injury prior to their last game, forcing them to call up De’Jon Harris from the practice squad as a COVID replacement. With Barnes back, the team should have another capable special teams player as well as someone who already has some significant early experience on defense this season.