The Detroit Lions will not be participants in the NFL postseason for the first time since 2023, as their fate was sealed with their 23-10 Christmas Day setback against the Minnesota Vikings in the Twin Cities.
However, even though there is nothing left to play for in the final game of the 2025 NFL campaign other than bragging rights, Lions Pro-Bowl wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown would like to play despite dealing with a knee injury that he suffered near the end of regulation during their loss against the Vikings.
He was hit by Vikings cornerback Byron Murphy and immediately began to favor his right knee, and left the game. He didn’t speak to reporters afterward.
During his media availability session with Lions media members on Monday afternoon, Campbell confirmed that while St. Brown is banged up, he wants to play against the Bears and former offensive coordinator Ben Johnson.
“Yeah, I think long-term he’s going to be okay, which is good. That’s good news,” Campbell said of St. Brown’s intentions.
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Detroit Lions Wide Receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown Wouldn’t Play If It Presented A Long-Term Risk
Campbell then explained that if he and the team felt that playing would cause potential long-term risks for St. Brown’s health, it wouldn’t be worth him being on the field just to say that he played.
“Yeah, I think so. I think if we’re sitting there borderline and it could be hard or we think they’re setting themselves up for long-term risk, then, no, it’s not worth it. But, if it’s, you know, the stuff doesn’t feel good and it’s bumps and bruises, then, no, it’s like the next game up,” Campbell said.
Finally, Campbell announced that St. Brown’s official status is considered to be day-to-day.
“Day-to-day, yeah,” he said. “He wants to go and he’ll be day-to-day. He’s improved.”
Brown, who has earned four consecutive Pro Bowl selections, has amassed 106 catches, for a total of 1,262 yards with 11 touchdowns this season for the Lions, who can finish no better than 9-8 after having won 15 games in the 2024 campaign.
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Dan Campbell Explained How The Detroit Lions Can Still Make A Positive Out Of Their Final Game
It may be difficult to get the usual energy up for the final game of the regular season in which there’s nothing to play for, but Campbell is looking at it as an opportunity for players to give a clear picture of their mindset despite difficult circumstances.
“We have one more left,” Campbell said. “Look, you can always find a lot out with one (game) to go. No, we’re not playing for the playoffs, but there are still things we can find out. And I expect the guys that we have here to give it what they’ve got one more time. That’s the expectation.”
“How players play, how they do on the road maybe a second time, how they play at this position, how they handle the pressure, and how they handle with nothing to play for,” he continued. “It’s a little bit of everything.”
The Lions and Bears are scheduled to kick-off from Soldier Field beginning at 4:25 p.m. ET on Sunday afternoon.
Regardless of the final score, the Bears will take pride in the fact that they won the top spot in the NFC North division for the first time since 2018, breaking the two-season win streak of the Lions.
Dan Campbell Delivers Crucial Injury Update On Detroit Lions WR Amon-Ra St. Brown