ALLEN PARK -- Different components, a change in competition, and a boost of energy have Detroit Lions linebacker Derrick Barnes ready for this week’s pair of joint practices in their backyard.

However, there’s another reason -- one more personal -- behind the fifth-year defender’s anticipation. When the Lions and Miami Dolphins square off twice this week in practice before their Saturday preseason game, it will mark Barnes’ first contact with players outside his team since early last season.

Barnes tore the MCL and PCL ligaments in his right knee during a Week 3 win over the Arizona Cardinals. While the Lions never officially ruled him out after he underwent surgery, he did not return for the rest of the season.

“Since my injury, this is the first time I get to go against different oppo

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