Detroit Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson likely sustained a season-ending injury after an early exit from the team’s Sunday, November 15, game against the New England Patriots.
Hutchinson, 26, reportedly underwent an MRI after sustaining what appeared to be a knee injury while celebrating his sack against Patriots quarterback Drake Maye. (Maye, 24, was also ruled out after hurting his ankle during the same play.)
According to NFL insider Ian Rapoport, Hutchinson and the Lions are seeking “second opinions” about the severity of the athlete’s injury before making an official statement about the athlete’s future this season.
“There does not appear hope that he returns this season,” Rapoport, 46, tweeted on Sunday, also pointing out that such a case would be the second time in three seasons that Hutchinson’s season ended prematurely.
Hutchinson, who has not publicly addressed his new recent injury or his prognosis, previously suffered a gruesome injury during a 2024 game. At the time, the pro athlete fractured his tibia and fibula. He sat out the remainder of the season before making his 2025 comeback.
Hours before Sunday’s matchup, Hutchinson revealed how his recovery shifted his mindset.
“I feel like when you get something like that taken away from you, your ability to run, walk,” he told Sky Sports NFL in a Sunday sit-down. “I mean, one second you go from playing football at the highest level to then I can barely get up to get to the bathroom.”
He continued, “It really humbles you, and it really makes you super grateful for the situation. I am always reminded every time I leave a game now like, I am healthy, whatever the results happen. To me, it offers a new perspective for sure.”
Hutchinson’s presumed season-end comes weeks after teammate Jack Campbell was hospitalized after sustaining his own injury in a separate game. (Campbell, 26, was seemingly unable to move after a tackle onNovember 1. The linebacker was subsequently immobilized by training staff, carted off the field and taken to a local hospital.)
“My family and I want to sincerely thank everyone for the overwhelming amount of love, prayers, and support we’ve received over the past few days,” Campbell said in a statement earlier this month. “It means more to us than words can express. [I am] incredibly encouraged by the process I’ve made in such a short period of time.”
He added at the time, “I have full movement in my lower body, and I’m continuing to make progress with movement in my upper body. I know there’s still work ahead, but I remain very optimistic. I’m taking things one day at a time, staying positive, and focusing on getting better.”
