Packers: Five standout performances from Week 17 win vs. Bears
By Jesse Fry
4. Krys Barnes
Stat line: 14 tackles
Way back in the Packers’ season opener, there was a bit of a shocker in the starting lineup. Undrafted rookie Krys Barnes was starting alongside veteran pickup Christian Kirksey against a formidable Minnesota Vikings offense. Barnes wasn’t even technically on the opening roster, starting the season on the practice squad.
Barnes surprised us all playing well and was then elevated to the roster full-time.
Since then, Barnes has continued to build off his strong start and the only thing that could slow him down was Covid-19. He missed three weeks and was brought along slowly.
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Upon his return to full health, Barnes was given the main job in the middle and he hasn’t looked back.
It would be reasonable to expect an undrafted rookie to make some mistakes but that hasn’t been the case. Barnes has been assignment sure and has kept veteran Kirksey playing the supporting role.
In this game, Barnes hardly left the field and piled on the tackles, limiting Bears running back David Montgomery to only 69 yards on 22 carries.
Barnes has become the three-down linebacker the Packers have been searching for and could make Kirksey expendable in the offseason.