The Detroit Lions don’t have much time to lick their wounds after a tough Week 16 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. With a short week ahead, they’re already turning the page and preparing for a pivotal Thursday night matchup against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 17.
But as the Lions hit the practice field - or more accurately, the walk-through field - on Monday, one name on the injury report raised some eyebrows: Amon-Ra St. Brown.
Detroit’s star wide receiver was listed as a non-participant on the team’s estimated injury report due to a knee issue. It’s worth noting that the Lions didn’t hold a full practice, opting instead for a walk-through, so Monday’s report is more of a projection than a definitive status update.
Still, any mention of St. Brown on the injury list is enough to get fans and coaches paying close attention.
Head coach Dan Campbell addressed the situation after the walk-through, noting that the knee issue surfaced on Monday. The team is still gathering information, and Campbell said they’d “know more a little bit later.” The hope, according to Campbell, is that it’s just some irritation following Sunday’s game and not something more serious.
That’s the cautious optimism you’d expect from a coach who knows exactly how important St. Brown is to this offense.
The third-year receiver has been the heartbeat of Detroit’s passing game - a relentless route-runner, a sure-handed target, and a tone-setter for the entire unit. Losing him, even for a short stretch, would be a major blow.
But if there’s one thing we’ve learned about Amon-Ra St. Brown, it’s that he’s built differently.
This is a player who doesn’t just play through pain - he thrives in spite of it. Just last month, he gutted through an ankle sprain in the lead-up to the Thanksgiving Day game against the Packers.
He didn’t practice all week, yet still suited up and delivered when it mattered.
So while Monday’s injury report is something to monitor, it’s not time to panic. If St.
Brown doesn’t practice Tuesday or Wednesday, that’s not necessarily a red flag - it might just be part of the plan to keep him fresh for Thursday night. Unless we see his name on the inactive list before kickoff, it’s hard to bet against him being out there.
The Lions are in the thick of a playoff push, and every game counts. Having St.
Brown on the field could be the difference between holding serve in the NFC North and letting the division race tighten up. His toughness, reliability, and leadership are critical - and if history is any indication, he’ll do everything in his power to be ready when the lights come on in Minnesota.