The Detroit Lions’ remarkable 4–1 start to the 2025 NFL season has hit a potential snag, as star wideout Amon-Ra St. Brown was forced to sit out Wednesday’s practice due to a wrist issue. His status for Sunday night’s highly anticipated matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs now hangs in the balance.
According to the team’s midweek injury report, St. Brown was held out after experiencing discomfort in his wrist. The two-time All-Pro and three-time Pro Bowler appeared to injure it during last week’s 37–24 win over the Cincinnati Bengals, when he landed awkwardly following a catch. Despite the mishap, the 25-year-old still delivered another standout performance—hauling in eight passes for 100 yards to lead Detroit’s receiving corps.
So far this season, St. Brown has been the heartbeat of Detroit’s passing game. In five contests, he’s tallied 35 receptions for 407 yards and six touchdowns, leading the league in receiving scores while ranking among the NFL’s top five in both catches and receiving yards. His consistency has been a driving force behind Jared Goff’s league-best 75.2% completion rate, with the quarterback often leaning on St. Brown in crucial moments.
Durability has been one of St. Brown’s defining traits since entering the league. Over his first three seasons, he surpassed 100 receptions and 1,100 yards each year, missing only two games during that span. Known for his toughness—he once played through Hand, Foot, and Mouth disease in 2023—St. Brown’s resilience gives Detroit hope that his latest injury might be minor. Still, the team will be cautious not to worsen a wrist problem that could impact his ability to secure passes.
The Lions have yet to provide specifics about the injury, but its timing adds to an already growing list of concerns. Several other key players also missed Wednesday’s session, including D.J. Reed, Terrion Arnold, Taylor Decker, Kerby Joseph, Zach Cunningham, and Sione Vaki. Meanwhile, Brian Branch, who briefly exited last week’s game with an ankle issue, was limited.
If St. Brown is ruled out against Kansas City, Detroit’s offense may face serious challenges. Jameson Williams has yet to establish consistent production, managing two or fewer catches in four straight outings. Losing their most dependable receiver would force offensive coordinator Ben Johnson to adjust his game plan against a Chiefs secondary led by First-Team All-Pro Trent McDuffie.
While the Lions remain optimistic about St. Brown’s recovery, his absence from practice is a worrying sign just days before a pivotal Sunday Night Football showdown that could shape Detroit’s midseason momentum.
