The New England Patriots are preparing to face Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, who is expected to play despite a rib injury. St. Brown was listed as questionable ahead of Sunday’s game in Munich, Germany, but the latest update indicates he is likely to take the field.
The news presents a challenge for a Patriots secondary looking to bounce back after a difficult loss to the Green Bay Packers. New England will have to contend with St. Brown as well as wide receiver Jameson Williams and running back Jahmyr Gibbs.
## St. Brown’s Availability Adds Pressure to New England’s Defense
St. Brown entered Week 10 with 61 receptions for 657 yards and five touchdowns through eight games. He was limited in practice on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, and the Lions listed him as questionable because of the rib injury.
The injury did not keep him out of Detroit’s previous game. St. Brown caught eight passes for 86 yards in the Lions’ 19-9 win over the Miami Dolphins. He signed a four-year, $120 million contract extension in April 2024.
Detroit has a 6-2 record, while New England is 5-4 after its loss to Green Bay. The Lions’ offense averaged 27.8 points per game through its first eight contests, adding to the demands on the Patriots’ defense.
## Christian Gonzalez Faces Another Tough Assignment
St. Brown’s expected availability creates a difficult matchup for cornerback Christian Gonzalez and the rest of New England’s defensive backs. Gonzalez had a challenging game against Green Bay on Nov. 8, when Christian Watson and Matthew Golden each recorded at least 80 receiving yards against him.
The Patriots will also be without veteran cornerback Carlton Davis III, who has been ruled out with a knee injury. His absence leaves New England with fewer options against quarterback Jared Goff and Detroit’s offense.
Gonzalez could cover St. Brown on some plays, but the receiver’s use in different alignments may complicate the matchup. New England will need a stronger performance from its secondary after allowing several big plays against the Packers.
The Patriots and Lions are scheduled to kick off at 9:30 a.m. ET Sunday in Munich.
