Amon-Ra St. Brown’s status is the big question hanging over the Lions heading into Sunday’s matchup with the Dolphins.
Detroit’s top receiver was limited in practice all week because of a rib injury, and he’s officially questionable for Week 9. St.
Brown also played a season-low 72.2 percent of the Lions’ snaps in Week 8 against the Minnesota Vikings, though he brushed off the injury earlier in the week. Given how durable he’s been throughout his NFL career, it would be a surprise if he ended up missing the game.
Even with the rib issue, St. Brown has remained the engine of Detroit’s passing attack.
He’s been on the field for 84.5 percent of the Lions’ offensive snaps this season and has caught 53 of his 76 targets. Through 76 games, he has 571 yards and five touchdowns, still operating as the clear No. 1 option in the passing game.
If St. Brown can’t suit up, the ripple effect would be felt immediately. Jameson Williams would see a boost, and tight end Sam LaPorta would also benefit from the added opportunity.
The matchup itself sets up well for Detroit’s passing game. Miami enters Week 9 ranked 32nd in the NFL in EPA/Pass, and the Dolphins have allowed 16 passing touchdowns in 2026, the fourth-most in the league. They’re also 29th in EPA/Play, which is part of why this game carries a total in the 50s.
That’s one reason Williams stands out in the prop market if St. Brown is limited or unavailable.
He’s been scorching hot over the last three weeks, scoring five touchdowns after going scoreless in his first four games of 2026. Jared Goff has looked his way often, too, with Williams drawing 44 targets in seven games despite being the No. 2 receiver in the offense.
Williams has built a reputation as one of the league’s best deep threats, and the production has followed. He has at least seven receiving scores in each of the last two seasons, and over his last four games he’s seen 27 targets while topping 70 receiving yards in three of them.
Against a Miami defense that has been repeatedly beaten through the air, Williams looks like the sharper touchdown play at +155.
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