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Amon-Ra St. Brown #14 of the Detroit Lions
The Week 16 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers was a devastating blow to the Detroit Lions‘ chances of being playoff-bound, as they’ll now need to have luck on their side heading into Week 17’s matchup with the division rival Minnesota Vikings.
Even though the Lions will have to have some things go their way over the final two weeks of the 2025 NFL regular season, the team will remain focused on getting the best of the Vikings while also doing some scoreboard watching.
Lions Receive Crucial Update on Amon-Ra St. Brown’s Status
GettyAmon-Ra St. Brown #14 of the Detroit Lions
The primary concern for the Lions heading into Week 17 has been the status of star wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, who has been dealing with a knee injury.
Fortunately for Detroit, it appears it likely won’t be a problem heading into the Christmas Day showdown with the Vikings, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.
From @GMFB: #Vikings QB JJ McCarthy is out with a hairline fracture in his hand; #Lions WR Amon-Ra St. Brown (knee) should play; #Ravens QB Lamar Jackson (back) is up in the air.
“Amon-Ra St. Brown, the Lions’ star receiver, was out the first day of the practice week with a knee injury,” Rapoport said. “Dan Campbell clarifying it is really just irritation in his knee.
“Upgraded to a limited participant yesterday. My understanding is we should expect Amon-Ra St. Brown to play because, of course, he always plays. Remember when he had that high-ankle sprain and was supposed to miss the game against the [Dallas] Cowboys and didn’t miss it? That is how he rolls.”
Obviously, this is great news for the Lions, who will need their squad to be as close to full strength as possible when taking on Minnesota.
St. Brown is having another stellar season for the Lions, as he’ll head into this game having caught 98 passes (5th in the NFL) for 1,194 receiving yards (5th in the NFL) and 11 receiving touchdowns (2nd in the NFL).
As a result of yet another solid season in Detroit, St. Brown has earned Pro Bowl honors for the fourth time in his NFL career. He joins linebacker Jack Campbell, running back Jahmyr Gibbs, defensive end Aidan Hutchinson and offensive tackle Penei Sewell as players on the Lions who will represent the team in the Pro Bowl on Feb. 3, 2026, at the Moscone Center in San Francisco, California.
Lions’ Playoff Scenarios in Week 17
GettyJared Goff #16 of the Detroit Lions
Heading into the second-to-last week of the 2025 NFL regular season, the Lions have a slim chance to make the playoffs, as they have a 6% chance to be a postseason-bound team and will need a lot of help to get in.
The Lions’ fate is basically in the hands of the division rival Green Bay Packers, as Jared Goff and company will need Matt LaFleur’s squad to lose its final two games against the Baltimore Ravens and Minnesota Vikings.
With Jordan Love’s status uncertain due to being in concussion protocol and Josh Jacobs also dealing with injuries, there’s a chance this could become a reality.
However, this remains a long shot, especially with Green Bay motivated to win and clinch its own playoff berth.
Ryan Ward is a longtime credentialed writer covering the NBA and NFL. He has over 15 years of experience in the sports industry from writing, editing, social media management and podcasting. He has covered the Lakers and Raiders for Medium Large Sports, with a previous stint at ClutchPoints. Ward is a Los Angeles native from the United Kingdom, who now resides in Colorado.
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