The Detroit Lions are set to take on the Chicago Bears in a season finale that has no real meaning for the franchise. Still, it doesn't come as a surprise that head coach Dan Campbell is approaching it with a desire to win. The head coach commented via The Lions Wire on the status of receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown and whether or not the pass catcher will be able to play in Week 18. The comment is going to lead to an obvious level of concern for fans hoping that the head coach would be focused on protecting their star player.
""I think if we’re sitting there borderline and it could be hard or we think they’re setting themselves up for long-term risk, then, no, it’s not worth it. But, if it’s the stuff doesn’t feel good and it’s bumps and bruises, then, no, it’s like the next game up," "Dan Campbell
This falls in line with St. Brown's own sentiments. Via Detroit Free Press Dave Birkett, the receiver unsurprisingly wants to play in the final week of the season. However, this is where it is easy to argue that Campbell should be protecting the receiver from himself and looking at the bigger picture. Whether or not it is a serious injury right now, there is no debating that St. Brown has been compromised. To put the pass catcher on the field in a meaningless game, even if he is healthy, could be argued as a clear mistake.
Opting to start St. Brown, knowing he is currently dealing with injuries and facing a physical Chicago Bears defense, is concerning. For Campbell, this is par for the course when dealing with a head coach who appears to value toughness above all else. Still, having your star player start less than 100% in a meaningless game is an unnecessary risk.
Lions Fans Should Have a Healthy Level of Concern Surrounding St. Brown's Week 18 Status
While the game lacks meaning for Detroit, it is a chance to gather more information on a Chicago team that has taken control of the NFC North. This is a far different unit than the one the Lions beat in a blowout win early in the 2025 season. Having the tape of your starters going against the division's current standard can serve as clear reassurance or motivation heading into a pivotal offseason.
Building on this, the Lions beating the Bears would push the division rival into the NFC's third seed and create an impossible playoff path. While Detroit cannot eliminate Chicago from contention themselves, they can get incredibly close by setting the stage for Chicago's playoff run, making it far more difficult.
Still, neither of these motivators should be enough to overlook the risk of putting a compromised St. Brown on the field. The receiver is simply far too important to your future to risk any further injuries in a game that lacks meaning for the 2025 season. With this in mind, Campbell should think twice before following through and putting his star player in harm's way.