The Detroit Lions have a massive contest against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday Night Football. This is a huge game in the NFC and will have a meaningful impact on playoff seeding when January rolls around.
The Eagles are currently tied for the best record in the NFC at 7-2, and defensive end Aidan Hutchinson believes this is a "must-win" game for Detroit. As they gear up for this contest, Hutchinson also revealed that he's dealing with an "upper body" injury. He isn't worried about missing this game, but he wasn't seen on the practice field on Wednesday.
Aidan Hutchinson Sat Out Wednesday’s Practice with Injury
On the Lions' official injury report, Hutchinson was listed as a DNP for Wednesday with an elbow injury. Detroit is likely taking every precaution and could be resting him. Although he's confident that he'll suit up, it's not the best feeling knowing one of the Lions' best players is nursing an elbow injury.
It's not clear when he suffered that injury, but he was able to play in 93% of the defensive snaps in Week 10 versus the Washington Commanders. Hutchinson has been the Lions' best defensive player, constantly wreaking havoc.
The Michigan product has compiled 18 total tackles, 17 QB hits, 57 pressures, and 38 hurries in 2025. He's also recorded seven sacks and an NFL-best four forced fumbles. On Pro Football Focus, Hutchinson has earned a 91.2 overall grade (3rd among 114 graded edge defenders) and a 92.3 pass-rush grade (2nd among 114 graded edge defenders) for his play this season.
It's no secret that he's one of the best defenders in the game, but since he doesn't sound worried, that's a positive sign. The way the injury report looks for the remainder of the week will give fans and the Lions a better indication of his gameday status.
Missing some practices isn't the end of the world, as being ready for the game is the most important part. Nonetheless, it sounds like Hutchinson will be operating at less than 100%. While most players at this stage of the season are dealing with some injuries of some kind, it doesn't make it better when it's your star edge.
Another reason why the Lions would love to have Hutchinson out there is that Detroit is 0-2 against the Eagles under Dan Campbell.
"You want to win, and yeah, we played them twice. They got our number twice," Campbell said, according to Eric Woodyard of ESPN.
This matchup is a highly anticipated contest, and Hutchinson's health is certainly something worth keeping an eye on over the next few days.