Detroit Lions star Aidan Hutchinson made his presence known early against the New England Patriots. On the Patriots’ first offensive drive, Hutchinson broke through the line on third down and sacked Drake Maye.
That’s when disaster struck.
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After the play, Hutchinson stood to celebrate the dismissal. He jumped into the air and immediately fell to the ground after landing. Hutchinson appeared to be holding his right knee.
This could be a season-ending injury.
Hutchinson left the field, but headed straight to the medical tent on the sideline. He was later spotted on the show heading to the locker room.
He was deemed questionable to return due to a knee injury, but late in the third quarter he was ruled out for the remainder of the game.
Detroit ultimately won 35-10.
Initial reports suggested Hutchinson may have suffered a “significant” knee injury, according to NFL Network. Detroit wouldn’t expect good news. Even if a second opinion comes, it’s possible Hutchinson won’t return this season.
“We’ll know more when we get back to the States,” head coach Dan Campbell said after the game, according to Nolan Bianchi of the Detroit News. “Anytime you lose a player of his caliber, the type of teammate he is, he’s one of our captains, it doesn’t make it easy.”
Hutchinson wasn’t the only player injured in the game. Maye also left the game. His return was deemed doubtful due to an ankle injury before ultimately being ruled out as well.
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Losing Hutchinson for a significant period of time would be a devastating outcome for the Lions. Coming into the game, Hutchinson was Pro Football Focus’ best edge rusher this year.
Although NFL players rarely get injured celebrating games, it has happened. In 2001, Arizona Cardinals kicker Bill Gramatica tore his ACL after celebrating a first-quarter field goal in a game against the New York Giants.
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