Lions Add Former Arkansas 1,100-Yard WR as Amon-Ra St. Brown Battles Injury Before Cowboys Clash
The Detroit Lions are dealing with a major blow to their offense after Amon-Ra St. Brown exited last week’s loss to the Green Bay Packers with an ankle injury and didn’t return. With St. Brown’s status uncertain for Thursday’s matchup against the Dallas Cowboys, Detroit has moved quickly to reinforce its wide receiver depth.
This week, the Lions made several roster moves, including signing a rookie wide receiver who delivered more than 1,100 receiving yards last season and brings needed size and upside to the practice squad.
Lions Add Rookie WR Andrew Armstrong to Bolster Depth
On Tuesday, the Lions officially signed Andrew Armstrong, a rookie wide receiver out of Arkansas, to their practice squad. Armstrong was a college teammate of Lions rookie Isaas TeSlaa and impressed in the preseason with his length and physical playstyle.
Jeff Risdon of Lions Wire highlighted Armstrong’s intriguing measurables:
Height: Just under 6-foot-4
Weight: 205 pounds
Background: Originally signed by the Miami Dolphins, where he caught a pass in their preseason meeting with Detroit.
NFL.com draft analyst Lance Zierlein noted that Armstrong has the potential to grow into a reliable backup receiver in the NFL, but will need refinement at the pro level.
Zierlein described him as:
“A long-limbed, tight-hipped wideout with average feet and limited separation skills… He must show his production at Arkansas can translate to the NFL. While he lacks suddenness and top-end speed, he does offer size and strong ball skills.”
Amon-Ra St. Brown’s Injury Status Clouds Lions’ Plans
With the Lions preparing for another critical game, the timeline for St. Brown’s recovery remains uncertain. Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, the star receiver admitted he is unsure whether his ankle will heal in time for the Thursday night showdown in Dallas.
St. Brown explained that returning to action so soon after Thanksgiving is especially challenging:
“Three days, especially with the injury that I have, is huge… Each day is crucial for me at this point. I’m taking it day by day.”
The Lions and Cowboys both played on Thanksgiving, losing the typical extra recovery window. That short turnaround could impact Detroit’s ability to have its top offensive weapon on the field.
What Armstrong’s Addition Means for the Lions
While Andrew Armstrong may not be ready to contribute immediately, his signing gives the Lions a big-bodied receiving option as they navigate uncertainty around St. Brown’s availability. Detroit’s passing attack could look very different on Thursday, and adding developmental depth now could pay off later in the season.
