Given how they handled Amon-Ra St. Brown’s injuries from the previous season, Dan Campbell might be in hot water. If the NFL decides to sanction the Detroit Lions, it will only do so as a result of the new Netflix series “Receiver” exposing the team.
Although the bar has been set, will the league follow the same rule?
Amon-Ra St Brown 2023 oblique injury video
-Thanks to Netflix Receiver, we now know it happened here in wk3 vs Falcons
-Next play, reaches for L oblique attachment to hip
-Finishes game AND plays next game vs Packers before taking 1 game off
-No long term concern pic.twitter.com/YZPGYFQdHr— Jimmy Liao MD – Detroit Lions Morning Rounds (@JimmyLiaoMD) July 11, 2024
For those who are unaware, Receiver is an eight-part documentary series that centers on some of the best pass-catchers in the National Football League during the 2023–2024 season. Saint Brown is among them.
The specific occurrence in question happened somewhat early in both the year and the season. In the first episode, St. Brown discloses that he hurt his oblique against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 3.
In retrospect, it seems that the incident happened on a first-quarter catch over the middle.
St. Brown continued to play in spite of his injury. Just four days later, on Thursday night, he too played against the Green Bay Packers.
Amon-Ra St. Brown sustained damage!
That’s where the alleged NFL infraction happened.
“We play on Thursday following Atlanta.” I’m running, but the pain is like, on a 10 it’s like an eight. I can hardly stand it. Either eight or nine. I think to myself, “It’s too late for me to not play.” The strategy is set. I actually don’t like to take painkillers unless it’s with the Packers.
― Amon-Ra St. Brown
St. Brown had an indirect problem that necessitated the use of painkillers, but he played the entire game. On Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday, the 24-year-old was not listed on any of the team’s injury reports. He wasn’t listed by Detroit.
The NFL should (and could) penalize the Lions for failing to report St. Brown as injured throughout his injury. Strangely enough, the Falcons set the pattern last season.
Bijan Robinson’s illness was not disclosed by Atlanta or its then-head coach Arthur Smith in Week 7. For failing to adhere to league protocol, they received fines of $75,000 and $25,000, respectively.
If all teams are subject to the same regulations, Detroit ought to pay a fine of $75,000 for neglecting to disclose Amon-Ra St. Brown’s oblique injury. Dan Campbell ought to pay a $25,000 fine.
Despite taking painkillers, St. Brown caught five passes for 56 yards against the Packers. It was evident that the injury was a real problem because the next week he did not participate and was noted on the injury report.
It was not carelessness on purpose. St. Brown had a real injury, but his team neglected to report it to the NFL as required. As so, the Lions ought to get the same penalty as the Falcons.
In any case, don’t be shocked if the wide receivers that will be highlighted in the next season of Receiver have less enthusiasm for divulging exclusive knowledge. particularly in regards to injuries.