Amon-Ra St. Brown's injury diagnosis and return timeline revealed for Lions WR

The Detroit Lions faced concern after wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown left Week 13 early due to an ankle injury. Head coach Dan Campbell confirmed that while the injury is not long-term, St. Brown will miss some time.

"That's the good news, but it could be a week or two, maybe, if we're lucky," Campbell noted regarding the wideout's status.

On Friday, NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported that St. Brown has sustained a low-ankle sprain, which is less severe than a high-ankle sprain and suggests he may avoid being placed on injured reserve.

"Lions WR Amon-Ra St. Brown is believed to have suffered a low ankle sprain Sunday," Pelissero wrote, "and while he continues to be evaluated, it's promising for his chances of returning sooner rather than later. He is not expected to go on IR and will likely be week-to-week as the Lions approach the final stretch of the season."

The avoidance of a high-ankle sprain is significant, as those typically require four to six weeks of recovery. Considering St. Browns resilience and usually quick healing process, he could potentially miss no games at all.

Even if St. Brown misses the upcoming Week 14 matchup on Thursday, the Lions following game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday provides a mini-bye, giving him extra recovery time. This increases the likelihood of his return by Week 15.

Further updates on St. Browns condition are expected early next week, either from Coach Campbell or the Lions initial injury report on Monday.

Analysis: Amon-Ra St. Brown's Injury and the Detroit Lions' Playoff Outlook

The Detroit Lions received a sigh of relief after the initial news regarding Amon-Ra St. Brown's ankle injury seemed more manageable than expected. Although the wide receiver will miss some time, the injury is not as severe as initially feared. A low-ankle sprain, as opposed to a high-ankle sprain, significantly shortens the recovery timeline and reduces the likelihood of extended absence. While Coach Dan Campbell confirmed that St. Brown could be sidelined for a week or two, it is clear that the injury is not expected to sideline him long-term.

The decision not to place St. Brown on injured reserve is an encouraging sign for the Lions as they head into the final stretch of the regular season. As a key player for the offense, his return will be critical for Detroit's postseason hopes. Even if he misses the Week 14 matchup, the subsequent game against the Los Angeles Rams could offer a mini-bye, which would extend his recovery period and increase the likelihood of his return by Week 15.

St. Brown’s resilience and history of quick recovery further fuel optimism. If his recovery mirrors past patterns, the Lions could see their star wide receiver back in action sooner rather than later. The coming days will provide more clarity, but for now, the situation is not as dire as it initially seemed.

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• Amon-Ra St. Brown injury update reveals diagnosis, return timeline for Lions WR