Packers: 3 biggest surprises in first quarter of the season

Krys Barnes

Talk about unexpected; Krys Barnes didn’t even make the Packers’ initial 53-man roster ahead of Week 1. A week later, the undrafted rookie was promoted from the practice squad to the active roster and played on just under a third of the Packers’ defensive snaps in the season opener against the Minnesota Vikings, according to Pro Football Reference.

A quarter of the way through the season, Barnes has now played in all four games and started three of them. With Christian Kirksey out last week against the Atlanta Falcons, Barnes got the start and played on over half of the defensive snaps, second among inside linebackers behind Ty Summers.

Barnes is getting more playing time for good reason. He is part of Pro Football Focus’ All-Rookie Team for the first quarter of the season, alongside first-round pick Patrick Queen at inside linebacker. According to PFF, Barnes hasn’t missed a tackle this season.

Barnes has made 25 tackles and two tackles for loss. He’s looked comfortable in the middle of Mike Pettine’s defense and looks to have secured a permanent role on this team. Considering he was cut at the end of the training camp, to see how quickly he’s made an impact this season is incredible.

The Packers will be deep at linebacker once Kirksey and Kamal Martin return from injury.