The Detroit Lions face a difficult path back to the playoffs, but will get to start the journey with their star player on the field.
The Lions dropped out of the playoff bracket in their Thanksgiving Day loss to the Green Bay Packers, a game that was especially painful as they also lost star wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown to an ankle injury.
Despite some doubts as to whether he would be able to heal in time for Thursday’s game against the Dallas Cowboys, the Lions announced before the game that the All-Pro receiver would be suiting up.
Lions List Amon-Ra St. Brown as Active for Cowboys Game
The Lions announced 90 minutes before kickoff on Thursday that St. Brown would be suiting up. The team listed fellow receiver Kalif Raymond and tight end Hayden Rucci as inactive, with St. Brown healing in time to join his teammates.
St. Brown had raised doubts earlier in the week, telling reporters on Tuesday that he simply wasn’t sure if the ankle would be feeling good enough for him to play.
“I’m not sure right now, if I’m being honest,” St. Brown said, via Pride of Detroit’s Jeremy Reisman. “It’s still up in the air. I’ma try to be out there for the guys, for my teammates, but I couldn’t answer that question right now.”
St. Brown said he initially wanted to return on Thanksgiving — and had some experience playing through ankle sprains — but was just in too much pain to return.
“The pain was just too much. It was tough watching the game on the sideline,” St. Brown said, via MLive.com. “I don’t know how many games I’ve watched on the sideline or not being on the field while being here in Detroit. So it’s tough.”
Lions coach Dan Campbell had hinted earlier in the week that St. Brown would be playing if he felt even remotely close.
“I know this about him, if he can play, he’ll play,” Campbell said.
Lions Need to Get Season Back on Track
The Lions came into the season looking for their third straight NFC North title, but have struggled to remain consistent and fell to 7-5 with last week’s loss. They are now two wins behind the other wild card teams, and they may need to win out in order to secure a spot.
Their final stretch will start with St. Brown on the field — and one top player for the Cowboys sidelined. As SI.com’s Randy Gurzi noted, edge rusher Jadeveon Clowney was questionable heading into Thursday’s game, and didn’t fare well in pregame warmups.
“Before the game, Clowney tested out his hamstring during warmups, but wasn’t at full speed,” Gurzi wrote. “That meant he would be ruled out, leaving Dallas thin at defensive end. Fan favorite Isaiah Land will get a chance to see some action this week, but the Cowboys will miss Clowney’s work in run defense.”
The Lions will likely need a win on Thursday. The Athletic gives Detroit a 30% chance to reach the postseason, predicting they will win only three of their remaining games to finish 10-7 and miss the playoffs.
Lions Get Best Possible News on Star Player Ahead of Critical Game