The Detroit Lions are set to face the New England Patriots in Munich, Germany, on Sunday, November 15. The Patriots’ final injury report listed wide receiver A.J. Brown and running back Rhamondre Stevenson as questionable, leaving their availability for the international matchup uncertain.
Neither player has been ruled out. Both returned to limited practice participation during the week, so the Lions could still face a stronger Patriots offense than expected.
## Brown and Stevenson’s Injury Updates
Brown has been dealing with ankle and knee injuries and has missed New England’s last two games. The three-time Pro Bowl receiver has recorded nine receptions for 101 yards in three appearances since joining the Patriots in a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles. If he plays, Brown would give quarterback Drake Maye another receiving option against a Detroit secondary missing a key starter.
Stevenson, New England’s leading rusher, entered the week with a knee injury. After missing Wednesday’s practice, he was limited on Thursday and Friday. He has rushed for 399 yards and two touchdowns this season and added 26 receptions for 258 yards and two receiving scores.
Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel said Friday that Brown and Stevenson had looked “pretty good” in practice. The update was encouraging, but it does not confirm that either player will suit up. Running back TreVeyon Henderson has been ruled out because of an illness, giving New England another backfield decision if Stevenson is unavailable.
## Lions Also Managing Injuries
Detroit has injury concerns of its own. The Lions have ruled out cornerback D.J. Reed (hip), safety Kerby Joseph (knee) and center Cade Mays (ankle). Reed’s absence could be especially significant if Brown returns, as Detroit would have to defend the veteran receiver without one of its established starting cornerbacks.
The Lions have dealt with injuries in their secondary throughout the season. Still, there were positive developments this week: quarterback Jared Goff progressed from limited practice on Wednesday to full participation Thursday after dealing with a chest injury. Defensive back Brian Branch also returned to full participation.
Wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown is questionable with a rib injury.
The Patriots’ final injury report leaves two possible scenarios for Sunday: New England could be without its leading rusher and prominent receiver, or both could return against a depleted Lions secondary. The teams’ inactive lists will clarify their availability before the 9:30 a.m. ET kickoff in Munich.
