The Detroit Lions’ Thanksgiving Day matchup against the Green Bay Packers delivered an early scare when star wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown went down with a low ankle sprain in the first quarter.

The injury occurred on a routine second-down route as St. Brown planted and twisted awkwardly, immediately calling for medical attention before limping to the sideline. He finished with just two catches for 14 yards, and Detroit ultimately fell 31-24, dropping to 7-5 and further tightening the NFC North race with the Bears (8-3) and Packers (8-3-1).

Lions Get Positive Amon-Ra St. Brown Injury Update (Report)

NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero delivered the update Lions fans hoped for: St. Brown’s injury is believed to be a low ankle sprain, with early evaluations showing “good news so far.” The Pro Bowl wideout is officially week-to-week, but no injured reserve stint is expected, a huge relief for Detroit’s playoff hopes.

This timeline keeps St. Brown in play for a potential return as soon as Week 14 vs. the Dallas Cowboys on December 4, aided by Detroit’s extended break following Thanksgiving.

Head coach Dan Campbell echoed optimism after the game:

“Amon-Ra’s tough as nails. We’re optimistic. He’s our guy, and we’ll get him back firing soon.”

A Friday MRI showed no structural damage, reinforcing hopes for a rapid recovery. Low ankle sprains typically carry a 2–4 week recovery window—significantly faster than the 4–6 weeks common with high ankle injuries. St. Brown’s history of durability (playing through a concussion in 2023 and a hamstring issue in 2024) further boosts confidence.

Amon-Ra St. Brown’s Importance to the Lions’ Offense

St. Brown, Detroit’s 2021 fourth-round steal out of USC, has become the engine of the Lions’ passing attack. The three-time Pro Bowler and two-time First-Team All-Pro leads Detroit in every major receiving category this season:

75 receptions

884 yards

9 touchdowns

Top-5 in the NFL in targets (112)

His absence forced Jameson Williams into a larger role, and the speedy wideout delivered with 7 catches for 144 yards and a TD, though the offense clearly lacked its No. 1 option.

Playoff Impact: Lions Face Crucial NFC North Stretch

Detroit now sits third in the NFC North, holding the No. 6 seed in the NFC Wild Card race. The upcoming schedule creates a make-or-break three-game stretch:

Week 14: at Cowboys (Dec. 4)

Week 15: vs. Vikings (Dec. 11)

Week 16: at Bears (Dec. 18)

Without St. Brown—who owns a career 68% catch rate—quarterback Jared Goff (3,215 yards, 20 TDs) must lean more heavily on Williams, potentially limiting Detroit’s offensive unpredictability, especially against elite defenses like Dallas’ Micah Parsons-led unit.

The Lions are already battling multiple injuries:

Aidan Hutchinson (IR – leg)

Terrion Arnold (concussion)

Kerby Joseph (knee – out six games)

Despite the setbacks, Detroit still ranks No. 2 in the NFL in scoring (30.1 PPG), thanks in part to David Montgomery’s 12 rushing touchdowns.

According to ESPN Analytics, Detroit holds a 65% chance to make the playoffs—a win over Dallas could boost that number to 75%, especially if St. Brown returns.

Outlook: Lions Banking on Resilience and a Quick St. Brown Return

Detroit’s identity under Dan Campbell is built on toughness and resilience, and St. Brown exemplified that energy as he continued motivating teammates from the sideline despite the injury.

The good news? The Lions now enter a much-needed mini-bye, giving St. Brown and the rest of Detroit’s roster time to recover.

With Jameson Williams emerging and St. Brown trending toward a fast return, the Lions remain firmly in the NFC playoff hunt. As Campbell says:

“One play at a time.”

Detroit’s roar may only be getting started.