The Lions lost their star in the opening moments, yet found a new one in Jameson Williams—but even his breakout wasn’t enough to keep Detroit’s playoff hopes from wobbling.
The Detroit Lions showed plenty of fight Sunday, but they never managed to catch the Green Bay Packers in what became a bruising and frustrating outing at Ford Field. The day took a disastrous turn almost immediately when star wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown went down on just the third offensive play of the game. St. Brown was rolled up on during a tackle and stayed on the field briefly before walking directly to the locker room, a moment no Detroit fan wanted to see.
St. Brown’s immediate departure, without even a stop inside the blue medical tent, signaled the injury might be serious. The Lions later announced he had suffered an ankle injury, and by halftime he was ruled out for the remainder of the game. The initial fear among fans, and even head coach Dan Campbell, was that St. Brown had sustained a high ankle sprain, an injury that often sidelines players for several weeks.
In his postgame press conference, Campbell attempted to offer reassurance while acknowledging uncertainty. “I don’t feel like this is long, long-term, so that’s the good news,” Campbell said. “But that doesn’t mean it won’t be here for… It could be a week or two, maybe, if we’re lucky.”
With upcoming matchups against the Los Angeles Rams and Dallas Cowboys, any absence from St. Brown would be a major blow to the Lions’ playoff hopes. By Friday however, Detroit received encouraging news. According to league sources, St. Brown is believed to have suffered a low ankle sprain, a less severe injury that significantly improves his chances of returning sooner rather than later. The Lions play just once in the next 16 days, a Dec. 4 matchup against Dallas, giving St. Brown valuable time to recover. Team officials are optimistic he may miss only one game.
Despite St. Brown’s early exit, wide receiver Jameson Williams stepped up in his most complete performance as a Lion. Playing his first game without St. Brown alongside him, Williams looked every bit like a true No. 1 receiver. He hauled in a 44-yard reception and led all players from both teams with 144 receiving yards. His seven catches also marked a career high, signaling a breakout performance from the former first-round pick. Williams showcased more than his signature deep-threat ability, proving he can control a game through the intermediate and short passing game as well.
Rookie receiver Isaac Teslaa also made an impact, catching both of his targets, including an 18-yard touchdown that provided Detroit with a needed spark. Veteran journeyman Tom Kennedy contributed as well, hauling in a crucial 23-yard reception on a third-and-13 play. Kennedy nearly added another explosive gain on a trick play, but quarterback Jared Goff dropped a lateral from running back David Montgomery, forcing him to fall on the ball. Kennedy was wide open downfield with room for what likely would have been a 30-yard gain or more.
The Lions played about all of the game without St. Brown, tight end Sam LaPorta and backup tight end Brock Wright, leaving Goff without several top options in crucial situations. Detroit moved the ball effectively for stretches but struggled to convert in key moments, particularly those normally designed for St. Brown. The Lions would go 0-2 on fourth down attempts.
With the loss, the Lions fell to 7-5 and currently sit outside the NFC playoff picture. Detroit will need help from teams like the Chicago Bears and San Francisco 49ers in the coming weeks to regain control of its postseason hopes.
The Lions now turn their attention to the Cowboys as they close their three-game homestand. At 7-5, Detroit faces a critical opportunity to stay alive in the playoff race, making Sunday’s matchup one of the most important games of the season.