Packers linebacker Nick Barnett is out for the season with a ligament tear in his knee, Packers coach Mike McCarthy confirmed during his Monday press conference.

Barnett suffered a knee injury during the Packers’ 28-17 loss to the Vikings on Sunday. Surgery on the knee has not yet been scheduled.

While starting at middle linebacker, Nick Barnett was the leader of the Packers defense. (Jonathan Daniel / Getty Images)

Barnett suffered the knee injury during the third quarter of Sunday’s game. The Vikings immediately took advantage of the big loss on the Packers defense, victimizing Barnett’s replacement, Desmond Bishop, on a 47-yard pass play from Gus Frerotte to Chester Taylor.

The injury is just the latest in a number of setbacks for the Packers defense.

Defensive lineman Cullen Jenkins suffered a season-ending pectoral injury in Week 4.

When Justin Harrell — the team’s first-round draft pick in 2007 — was activated from the physically unable to perform list, the Packers released its all-time sacks leader, Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila.

Cornerback Al Harris suffered a spleen injury in the Packers’ Week 3 loss to the Cowboys, and returned for last week’s game against the Titans, missing four games.

Strong safety Atari Bigby missed five games while recovering from a hamstring injury.

Cornerback Charles Woodson has played much of the season with a broken toe. Despite that setback, Woodson is tied with teammate Nick Collins to lead the NFL with five interceptions apiece.

While Bishop replaced Barnett in Sunday’s game, Brandon Chillar is also a candidate for more playing time due to the injury.

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