The Green Bay Packers have lost their star linebacker Nick Barnett for the rest of the season after he suffered a torn a right knee ligament during the Packers 28-27 loss to the Minnesota Vikings.

“We’ve lost Nick Barnett for the season because of a ligament tear in his knee,” McCarthy told the Green Bay Press-Gazette.

“So, we just got the word here about a half-hour ago. He’s very disappointed. It’s unfortunate. But we need the other guys to step up.”

The Packers defense hasn’t been as good as many people thought they were going to be before the season ever started. Losing Barnett will hurt tremendously — opposing offenses will now have a much easier time running up the middle.