Amon-Ra St. Brown provides injury update Lions fans won't want to hear

The Detroit Lions could sure use a healthy Amon-Ra St. Brown in their home game against the Dallas Cowboys on "Thursday Night Football."

The Lions (7-5) are at risk of missing the playoffs after losing two of their past three games. A win over Dallas (6-5-1) would help Detroit regain its footing, but it may have to do so without the star wide receiver.

St. Brown sprained his ankle during the first quarter of a 31-24 loss to the Green Bay Packers on Thanksgiving. After not practicing this week, he sounds unsure whether he'll play on Thursday night.

Amon-Ra St. Brown says his status is unclear

"I'm not sure right now. If I'm being honest, it's still up in the air," St. Brown told the media Tuesday. "I'm trying to be out there for my guys, for my teammates, but I couldn't answer that question right now."

With St. Brown still not practicing, that could signal the Lions are preparing to be without the wideout for their matchup against the Cowboys. The WR's potential absence may slow the Lions passing attack. After 13 weeks, he leads the team in receptions (75), receiving yards (884) and touchdown catches (nine).

Figure on Detroit turning to its ground game more in Week 14. Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs ranks fourth in the NFL in rushing yards (1,019) and is tied for fourth in rushing TDs (10).

Run defense has been a weakness for the Cowboys throughout the season. Dallas ranks 20th in the league in rushing yards allowed (124.7).

It's worth noting the Cowboys have defended the run much better since acquiring defensive tackle Quinnen Williams from the New York Jets before the trade deadline passed. In three games with the three-time Pro Bowler on the roster, Dallas has surrendered a stellar 69.7 rushing yards per game (via StatMuse).

As of Tuesday, DraftKings Sportsbook lists the Lions as a three-point favorite in their home game. With St. Brown's status remaining uncertain, though, don't expect this to be an easy matchup for Detroit.