OL Kirk Barton (San Francisco 49ers)

[Buckskin86]

His recent injury killed any chance he had...

The Lions cut wide receiver Bobby Sippio and offensive tackle Kirk Barton.

Lions sign WR Dane Looker, G Terrance Metcalf | Detroit Free Press | Freep.com

[Buckskin86]

BARTON?S RELEASE

The main reason the Lions released Ohio State offensive lineman and Perry High School graduate Kirk Barton was a hamstring injury that kept him from getting on the field. Barton was running in a rotation of the top eight linemen in camp and had a great chance to make the 53-man roster. But the Lions needed to see more of him after moving him to guard, where he seemed to excel.

Don?t be surprised to see Barton on an NFL roster soon.

When an injured player is released, he receives a monetary injury settlement that forbids him from resigning with the Lions for a period of time. Detroit is a good opportunity for him, but he likely couldn?t go back until October, which is too late in the season.

Sunday Special: Browns new coach takes a fresh approach - Canton, OH - CantonRep.com

[jwinslow]

Barton was coaching on the sidelines at the jersey scrimmage today.

[Buckskin86]

Kirk Barton
Photo by Jim Davidson

How's Bart?: Everybody has favorites, and over the years the-Ozone has had a few of those. During his career at OSU Kirk Barton was one of our favorite players to watch, talk to, and quote. Barton has had an NFL career that has consisted a series of tryouts and near misses, the most recent with the Detroit Lions. Though Barton was recently released by the Lions, he told us after the jersey scrimmage there's a decent chance he'll be back in Detroit some time in the future.

"I was doing well," he said, "but I pulled a hamstring."

The Lions decided to release him after the hammy pull, but told him they are interested in talking to him again after his rehab. Barton said he expects that to be about a six week process.

The-Ozone, Ohio State Football, Wrestling, Softball, Basketball, Hockey, Baseball and More

[Buckskin86]

BARTON HEALING

Kirk Barton spent a few days last week helping out his alma mater at Ohio State and acting as another set of eyes for the offensive line. Barton was on the practice field while he continues to heal from a hamstring injury that likely cost him a roster spot with the Detroit Lions.

?The hamstring is fine now,? Barton said. ?The facilities here are tremendous.?

Barton used Ohio State?s facilities and trainers to get his hamstring back in shape. He said a handful of teams have contacted his agent about signing, but nothing is official yet.

Barton played with Browns lineman John St. Clair in Chicago. St. Clair had high praise for the Perry High School graduate.

?Kirk can play in this league,? St. Clair said. ?He just needs to get an opportunity. I thought he had one with the Bears, but it didn?t work out. He?s a big strong kid who moves really well and is more athletic than people think.?

Sunday Special: OSU captains' selections are no knock on Pryor - Canton, OH - CantonRep.com

[JimsSweaterVest]

Hang in there, Captain Kirk!

[Buckskin86]

BARTON WAITING

Perry graduate Kirk Barton is waiting for his phone to ring today. Barton, who was released by Detroit after a hamstring injury kept him from getting back on the field in the preseason, has worked the hamstring back into shape at Ohio State. He took in Saturday?s Navy game from the press box.

Today NFL teams begin signing players to their practice squad.

?The ceiling is today and the basement is week seven,? Barton said.

Barton received an injury settlement from Detroit. Per NFL rules, he can?t re-sign with the Lions for six more weeks based on his injury. It appears Detroit is interested in signing him, but don?t expect Barton to last long as a free agent.

Sunday Special: Federal League bruising after early-season losses - Canton, OH - CantonRep.com

[Buckskin86]

Kirk's blog from the game the last night...

Follow Barton's Blog During the USC Game Tonight - The Ohio State Buckeyes Official Athletics Site - OhioStateBuckeyes.com

[Buckskin86]

More Kirk Barton blog from the Illini game...

Follow Barton's Blog during Illinois Game - The Ohio State Buckeyes Official Athletics Site - OhioStateBuckeyes.com

he was also on WtoW Sports last night and he said that the Illini had the last TD coming to them...I believe he called them classless

Kirk never had a problem speaking his mind

[Buckskin86]

The 49ers signed tackle Kirk Barton to the practice squad. Barton, listed at 6-foot-6, 300 pounds, was released by the Lions during training camp.

The former Ohio State lineman was originally a seventh-round pick by the Chicago Bears in 2008. The 49ers need depth after injuries to Tony Pashos (shoulder) and Joe Staley (knee) in consecutive weeks.

http://www.mercurynews.com/sabercats/ci_13715425