By Moses Joshua 
Andrew Armstrong added to practice squad as Detroit navigates uncertainty at wide receiver
Depth Boost for a Shaky Receiving Corps
The Detroit Lions are scrambling to stabilize their passing game after star wideout Amon-Ra St. Brown exited last week’s loss to the Green Bay Packers with an ankle injury. While it remains uncertain if St. Brown will play against the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday, the team has added a promising rookie to its receiving ranks.
Andrew Armstrong, a former Arkansas standout, has been signed to the Lions’ practice squad, offering much-needed depth behind Isaac TeSlaa and the rest of the wide receiver room. Last season, Armstrong led his college team with over 1,100 receiving yards, highlighting his ability to make plays downfield.
Armstrong Brings Size and Potential
Armstrong, standing just under 6-foot-4 and weighing 205 pounds, immediately adds a bigger target for quarterback Jared Goff. Jeff Risdon of USA Today’s Lions Wire noted, “Armstrong was initially with the Miami Dolphins and caught a pass against the Lions in the preseason game between the two teams.”
NFL draft analyst Lance Zierlein highlighted Armstrong’s upside, while also pointing out areas needing development. “Long-limbed, tight-hipped wideout with average feet and a lack of separation talent,” Zierlein wrote. “Armstrong put together solid catch production during his two seasons at Arkansas but will need to prove it is translatable in the pros. He doesn’t get in and out of breaks quickly enough to separate and lacks the pure gas to be a field-stretching option, but he has good size and ball skills.”
The Lions hope that Armstrong’s size and ball skills can help bridge the gap should St. Brown be unavailable.
St. Brown’s Status Remains Unclear
Meanwhile, St. Brown himself provided an honest update on his ankle. “I think it’s a lot different. I think three days, especially with the injury that I have, is huge,” he said via MLive.com. “It makes it tougher. Each day is so crucial for me at this point. So, like I said, taking it day by day.”
Detroit faces the added challenge of a Thursday-to-Thursday turnaround after Thanksgiving, giving St. Brown less time to recover. If he cannot suit up, the offense will rely more heavily on Williams, TeSlaa, and now Armstrong, who could see an opportunity to prove his worth in the NFL.
Looking Ahead
While Armstrong’s immediate impact may be limited by his adjustment period, his addition signals that the Lions are preparing for the possibility of life without their star receiver. Detroit’s offense will need to adapt quickly if St. Brown is sidelined, and Armstrong could play a key role in keeping the passing game viable against the Cowboys’ defense.