The Detroit Lions just got their seventh win of the season, but it couldn't have come at a higher cost. On the same day that they beat the New England Patriots 35-10, they lost Aidan Hutchinson, their best defensive player.
Hutchinson hit the ground running in Germany. He nearly sacked Drake Maye before a delay-of-game penalty saved the Patriots' quarterback. Then, on the very next play, Hutchinson got him and even caused him an ankle injury.
Unfortunately, the Lions' star defensive end didn't leave unscathed, hurting his knee after landing awkwardly while celebrating the sack. He was questionable to return but never did, and NFL insider Tom Pelissero just confirmed that he'll miss the remainder of the season.
The Detroit Lions just lost Aidan Hutchinson for the season
"Imaging in Munich confirmed the injury to Hutchinson, whose right knee buckled as he celebrated a sack against the Patriots. He’s out for the season," reported Pelissero.
This is just brutal. It's the second season-ending injury of Hutchinson's career, leaving the Lions' solid pass rush without its best player for the most crucial stretch of the campaign. Also, this comes just a couple of weeks after they lost Jack Campbell, potentially for the season.
Hutchinson had been a driving force for Kelvin Sheppard's unit this season, logging 24 total tackles (15 solo), six tackles for loss, 18 quarterback hits, one forced fumble, and six sacks. He could've made a legitimate push for Defensive Player of the Year.
Now, the Lions will have to throw rookie Derrick Moore into the fire and give him a much bigger role, with Tyler Lacy and DJ Wonnum also being asked to do more heavy lifting. Maybe they can also test the free-agent market and pursue someone like Haason Reddick or Leonard Floyd.
This is a brutal blow for a Lions defense that had been significantly better in recent weeks, more so with the way it happened. Injuries are always tough, but getting hurt while celebrating a big play is as ironic as it is sad.
Hopefully, this won't break Hutchinson's stride. He's already proven he can overcome adversity and come back stronger than ever, but going through this process twice can take a heavy toll on a player's career.
The Lions made a long-term commitment to him with a four-year, $180 million contract that made him the third-highest-paid edge rusher in pro football, and while money isn't the most important thing right now, he's now looking at another long layoff and potentially even missing the start of the 2027 season.
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