Lions Optimistic Amon-Ra St. Brown Will Suit Up vs. Vikings in Critical Week 17 Matchup
As the Detroit Lions gear up for a must-win Week 17 showdown against the Minnesota Vikings, all eyes are on star wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown.
The Pro Bowl-caliber playmaker has been nursing a knee injury this week, landing him on the injury report and casting some doubt over his availability for the Christmas Day clash. But heading into game day, there are strong indications that St.
Brown will be on the field - and not just in a limited role.
Let’s break down what we know and why this matters so much for Detroit.
Trending Toward Playing
St. Brown didn’t practice on Monday, which initially raised some eyebrows.
But that concern eased as the week progressed. On both Tuesday and Wednesday, he returned to the field in a limited capacity - a clear step in the right direction.
That kind of progression typically signals a player is trending toward being active, especially in a game with playoff implications.
The Lions’ roster decisions offer another telling clue. Detroit didn’t elevate a wide receiver from the practice squad ahead of this game.
That’s not something they’d overlook if there were serious doubts about St. Brown’s availability.
It’s a subtle move, but one that speaks volumes about the team’s confidence in having their top receiver ready.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport added to the optimism, reporting that not only is St. Brown expected to play, but he’s expected to be a “full go.”
That means no snap count restrictions, no decoy role - just the same Amon-Ra St. Brown who’s been the heartbeat of Detroit’s passing game all season long.
Official Word Still Pending
Of course, nothing is official until the inactives list drops 90 minutes before kickoff, which is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. ET.
That’s when we’ll get the final word on St. Brown’s status.
But given all the signs - his return to practice, the lack of roster moves at receiver, and national reporting - the Lions appear poised to have their offensive centerpiece available in a game they simply can’t afford to lose.
Why It Matters
Detroit’s playoff hopes are hanging by a thread. A win over the Vikings is non-negotiable if they want to stay alive heading into Week 18.
But even that won’t be enough on its own. They’ll also need help from the Baltimore Ravens, who face the Green Bay Packers on Saturday.
If Green Bay wins that game, the Lions will be eliminated from playoff contention regardless of what happens against Minnesota.
That’s what makes St. Brown’s potential return so crucial.
He’s been Jared Goff’s most reliable target, a chain-mover, red zone threat, and emotional leader all rolled into one. In a game where every possession could swing the season, having No. 14 on the field could be the difference between keeping hope alive and watching the postseason slip away.
So while the Lions still need a little holiday magic to make the playoffs, having Amon-Ra St. Brown ready to go gives them their best shot at holding up their end of the bargain.