During their 31-24 defeat against the Green Bay Packers on Thanksgiving Day, the Detroit Lions saw wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown sustain an ankle injury early in the game. After being evaluated, St. Brown did not return after the game’s midpoint. Coach Dan Campbell stated that he’s expected to be out for a period of time.
In the postgame press briefing, Campbell suggested St. Brown had likely avoided a longer term absence, but the team’s medical staff anticipates the key receiver will be unavailable for several upcoming weeks.
“I’ll get further clarity [on the injury] tomorrow,” Campbell noted. “I don’t think it will be a very lengthy setback. If things go well, it may be only one or two weeks.”
Sources at NFL Media indicate that subsequent MRI scans and other evaluations confirmed St. Brown suffered a sprain in the lower ankle region, and that there was no structural damage. The injury may cause him to miss action for one to two weeks, however the WR intends to return to playing sooner.
In the game’s second offensive series, St. Brown got caught from behind during a run play. He stayed down for a short period while being checked by the team’s medical personnel. After the evaluation, St. Brown rose to his feet and went off the field, going to the locker room. He was at first labeled as questionable, but he was officially ruled out during the third quarter.
Across 11 games this season, St. Brown has recorded 75 receptions, accumulating 884 receiving yards and nine touchdowns. The Lions played Sunday’s game without tight end Sam LaPorta, who earlier this month was put on injured reserve due to an issue with his back, and wide receiver Kalif Raymond, who was listed as inactive as a result of an ankle injury.
Dan Campbell will look to Jameson Williams, Tom Kennedy, and rookies Isaac TeSlaa and Dominic Lovett to possibly fill the gap left by St. Brown.
Given St. Brown’s absence, the Lions need to regroup to improve their position in the NFC North standings as the season nears its end. Currently at 7-5, Detroit is in third place in the NFC North, behind the Green Bay Packers and the Chicago Bears. Over the next couple of weeks, the Lions will have important NFC matchups against the Dallas Cowboys and Los Angeles Rams. Those games will present major challenges, especially if St. Brown is unable to play.
