Dan Campbell 'fired up' at the Lions new SAM linebacker

Now that it appears the injury to Detroit SAM linebacker Derrick Barnes could very well be a season-ender, the Lions are working on filling Barnes’ considerable shoes in the defensive front. The bye week helped head coach Dan Campbell and the Lions identify their top replacement.

No, it’s not from the outside. The Lions are planning on filling the hole internally with Trevor Nowaske, who was claimed off waivers at the roster cutdowns from the Arizona Cardinals.

Nowaske played in Detroit in 2023 as an undrafted rookie from D-II Saginaw Valley State, but the Cardinals poached him when the Lions had to finagle a roster move during the season. Detroit returned the favor in reclaiming the athletically superb Nowaske, a Detroit-area (Canton) native.

Campbell seems quite intrigued and excited by the prospect of Nowaske stepping into Barnes’ role.

“Yep, we like Now,” Campbell enthused before Wednesday’s practice ahead of Week 6. “We were fired up to get him back here. And certainly, that’s the role that we see him in is that SAM linebacker, some of the X on the third down position. So, I think yes there’s a place for him there and we just keep working with him. That’s the best way to say it.”

Campbell continued,

“He’s still a young player, he’s a developing player, and I think the best way to answer – we’re going to need all those guys and we’re going to use everything in our arsenal, especially in the linebacker room.”

Nowaske got a taste of action in the Lions’ Week 4 win over the Seahawks, playing 11 snaps–all in the basic Barnes role of SAM backer. That’s a specialized role in Aaron Glenn’s defense that primarily involves rushing the passer from a stand-up LB position, but also coverage drops and run blitzes/fills. It requires athleticism and quick reactions, two things Nowaske has shown in brief chances with both the Lions and Cardinals.