DETROIT – Is star wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown playing for the Detroit Lions against the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday Night Football?
St. Brown was listed as questionable with an ankle injury during the final practice injury report on Wednesday.
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St. Brown warmed up, running routes and catching passes before the game, and the team says he WILL play vs. the Cowboys.
St. Brown speaks at practice
“It hurts. But it’s getting better, so that’s the good news,” said St. Brown. “Just day by day, trying to make sure I’m out there for my guys.”
When asked how he prepares for a game without practicing, St. Brown emphasized the mental aspect.
“For me, especially if you’re not practicing, it’s just mental reps. Everything’s mental,” St. Brown said. “I’m used to being out there getting actual reps on the practice field, so just making sure I’m in my playbook, know where to line up, adjustments, everything. That’s the biggest thing. It’s a lot mentally.”
St. Brown explained that the key physical challenge is not running straight but the ability to cut, stop, and change direction.
“Everyone thinks it’s just run straight, but that’s the least of my concerns,” St. Brown said. “Can I stop? Can I cut? Can I do all the little movements you don’t even think about when you’re out there? That’s the biggest thing.”
Discussing the team’s mindset with a crucial game approaching, as the Lions will play host to the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday Night Football inside Ford Field, St. Brown said the Lions focus on one week at a time.
“We get about 10 days of rest after this game, but it’s a one-week mentality for us each week,” St. Brown said. “The game just gets more important as we go. This is a big one against a good team in Dallas, who’s hot right now. It’s a big game for us. But every game at this point, the next one’s always the biggest.”
St. Brown remained uncertain about his availability for the upcoming game.
“I’m not sure right now, to be honest. Still up in the air. I’m going to try to be out there for my teammates,” St. Brown said. “I couldn’t answer that question right now.”
When asked whether the team’s 7-5 record or the stakes affect his decision to play on Thursday (Dec. 4), St. Brown said his mindset remains consistent regardless of the situation.
“If you ask me, no. Maybe the coaches or trainers would have a different answer, but I want to play every game,” St. Brown said. “That’s my mindset every year. I don’t want to miss any games. Your availability is your best ability at the end of the day. Whether we’re 0-13 or 13-0, it doesn’t matter. I’ve got to be out there.”
Reflecting on limping off the field on Thanksgiving Day before the home game loss to the Green Bay Packers, St. Brown said he didn’t know immediately if he was done for the game.
“I didn’t know for sure once I limped off. About 10 minutes later, I kind of knew because I’ve had ankle sprains before and was able to come back, but this time the pain was too much,” St. Brown said. “It was tough watching the game from the sideline. I felt like I let the guys down by not being out there.”
Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, who sprained his ankle on Thanksgiving, did not practice today ahead of the Thursday night game against the Cowboys.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 1, 2025
What happened
St. Brown suffered the injury during Thursday’s loss to the Green Bay Packers on Thanksgiving Day while blocking for running back Jahmyr Gibbs in the first quarter.
During the play, two offensive linemen rolled up on his ankle.
St. Brown was targeted only once and did not make a catch in his limited time on the field.
The All-Pro wide receiver suffered a low ankle sprain, and according to reports, St. Brown could return to the lineup “sooner than later.”
National Football League Insider Ian Rapoport confirmed on X that the MRI and other tests showed a low-ankle sprain with no structural damage, and St. Brown could miss one to two weeks.
Pelissero added that St. Brown was not expected to be placed on injured reserve and will be evaluated on a week-to-week basis.
The MRI and other tests confirmed a low-ankle sprain with no structural damage and a quick return, sources say. Essentially, a 1-2 week injury like Dan Campbell said. Amon-Ra St. Brown will, of course, push to play, though... https://t.co/ZSKxg8Rmrh
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 29, 2025
St. Brown praised his teammates’ effort despite his absence.
“They played their hearts out. It was amazing to watch, just not being there on the field,” St. Brown said.
Asked about improvement in his ankle, he said it’s getting better daily.
“Every day it’s gotten better. Hoping it continues these next few days,” St. Brown said.
St. Brown said he was taking his decision into Thursday.
Comparing this injury to a previous one he suffered against the Cowboys, St. Brown noted differences in severity.
“I had one in my second year versus the Vikings. That one was different because I was able to finish the game. This time, I couldn’t put pressure on the ankle,” St. Brown said. “Two different types of injuries, but very similar. Just continuing to get better each day and see if I can make it to game day.”
Regarding the shorter recovery time for a Thursday game, St. Brown said it’s tougher.
“Three days, especially with this injury, is huge. It makes it tougher,” St. Brown said. “Each day is crucial at this point. Taking it day by day.”
Jameson Williams
St. Brown also praised teammate Jameson Williams for stepping up.
“He looked great. He’s been great all year. We all know JMo and his ability. He’s a ball of energy. I love being out there with him,” St. Brown said.
Williams spoke this week about his role as the team prepares to face the Cowboys, especially with St. Brown not practicing.
“We’re not really certain about what we’re going to do right now,” said Williams. “We just focus on what we can do and how we can attack Dallas. That’s our main thing right now.”
Williams emphasized the importance of getting the team back on track.
“We’re just putting the pieces together and looking to get back on the winning track,” Williams said.
When asked if he felt he proved anything last week, Williams was humble.
“I don’t really look into me proving people wrong. People are going to think what they want, regardless of what you do or don’t do. I just go out there and do my job the best I can,” Williams said.
Recent struggles
St. Brown addressed the team’s recent struggles and the importance of stacking wins.
“I don’t know if one win is the answer. We’ve been winning, losing, winning, losing these past weeks,” St. Brown said. “One win would help, definitely. But we’ve got to stack wins, especially at this point in the season. The Cowboys game is the most important right now. If we take care of this game, we’ve got to build off it and not take steps backward. A win would definitely help a lot.”