The Detroit Lions had a notable list of injuries coming out of last Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts, with running back David Montgomery, left tackle Taylor Decker, wide receiver Kalif Raymond and cornerback Carlton Davis all leaving the contest (only Decker returned to the game).
Short week injuries are tough to deal with, and on Monday's estimated practice report for the Lions before the Thanksgiving Day game against the Chicago Bears there was a surprising addition: wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, listed with a knee injury.
Further review showed St. Brown suffered the injury while returning a punt against the Colts, after Raymond (the team's primary punt returner) had left the game.
Amon-Ra St. Brown R knee injury video
— Jimmy Liao MD | Detroit Lions Morning Rounds (@JimmyLiaoMD) November 25, 2024
-Can't say for sure this is the injury but after punt return, slight limp and reaching for right knee.
-Looked fine rest of game. Hope just contusion.
-Credit @DrLurker6223 for the spot pic.twitter.com/urPw8jVZ3B
Head coach Dan Campbell acknowledged during his appearance on 97.1 The Ticket Tuesday morning that St. Brown would most likely not be returning punts on Thanksgiving Day against the Bears. Later on Tuesday, with Raymond looking sure to be out (and now on IR), Campbell joked with reporters about using St. Brown on punt returns again anyway.
"I’m still trying to think about that, because part of me says, ‘Use Saint again, because he is the most reliable,’” Campbell said. “So we may just do that. You know what? We’re going to do that.”
Coach Campbell on the team's plans at punt returner this week pic.twitter.com/4y7pJTkyMr
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) November 26, 2024
Is Lions WR Amon-Ra St. Brown going to play on Thanksgiving vs. Bears?
St. Brown moved to being listed as a limited participant for Tuesday's walkthrough. He told reporters in the locker room on Tuesday that he expects to play, and before that Campbell said he felt good about St. Brown playing on Thursday.
“I feel good.” #Lions WR Amon-Ra St. Brown on his status for Thursday vs. Bears pic.twitter.com/iGIEt45nRp
— Nolan Bianchi (@nolanbianchi) November 26, 2024
Dan Campbell said he feels pretty good about Amon-Ra St. Brown playing Thursday. Will know more after today
— Tim Twentyman (@ttwentyman) November 26, 2024
St. Brown moved to being listed as a full participant on Wednesday (another practice estimate, given the short week), and he is officially listed as questionable for Thursday's game.
A pre-game setback is within the realm of possibility for St. Brown, as he tests his knee after what was basically a non-existent practice week with three days between games. But it looks like he will play against the Bears, so his fantasy managers can leave him in their lineups.
Update, 11/28/24, 11: 13 a.m. ET: St. Brown is active for Thursday's game.
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