Rookie sixth-round pick Ahmed Hassanein recently offered a promising update following an injury suffered in preseason Week 2 against the Miami Dolphins.
DetroitFootball.net's Justin Rogers shared that when speaking to Hassanein about his injury, the defensive end confirmed what he wrote in an earlier social media post, saying he won't need surgery following the results of an MRI.
"It's too early to say how long he might be out of action," Rogers wrote, but avoiding surgery should give him a better chance of returning during the regular season than if he needed an operation.
Hassanein Quickly Became a Lions Fan-Favorite
Hassanein, selected No. 196 overall in the 2025 NFL Draft, went viral after being drafted over a video published showing his reaction to being picked.
"I will die on that field for you," an emotional Hassanein told Lions head coach Dan Campbell over the phone.
Earlier in training camp, while speaking with reporters, Hassanein said, "I will do whatever it takes for this team, because this team believes in me."
Last Saturday, Hassanein suffered a pectoral injury during a preseason Week 2 24-17 loss to the Dolphins. On Monday, Campbell said he expects the promising rookie to miss significant time.
Campbell said Hassanein's work ethic could allow him to come back even stronger than when he left.
"The good news with that kid is, he's a grinder," Campbell said. "He's gonna stay in it mentally, learn what he can, process what he can, and that's always going to give you a chance to be better when you come back," he added.
"He's a grinder. He's gonna do everything it takes."
— Hobie Artigue (@HeyItsMeHobie) August 18, 2025
Ahmed Hassanein has been one of the best stories in #Lions camp this year.
Hassanein will miss significant time with a pec injury, but Dan Campbell is confident the energetic rookie will return even stronger.
🎥@Local4News pic.twitter.com/ons3H7Pjr8
Until Hassanein returns, the Lions might need to be active in searching for defensive end depth. Josh Pascal, expected to back up right defensive end Marcus Davenport, is on the non-football injury list with an undisclosed injury after undergoing offseason surgery.
While he won't be part of the rotation in the immediate future, Hassanein avoided the worst-case scenario with his pec injury. If he doesn't suffer a setback, he should be available later in the season when the playoff race heats up.