Lions' Aidan Hutchinson Hurts Right Knee After 5th Sack Celebration in Munich

Q: Will a momentary sack celebration and non-contact injury ultimately derail the Detroit Lions' promising season?

Not necessarily, but it could become the Lions’ most consequential setback if Aidan Hutchinson’s knee injury proves serious. What is clear already is Hutchinson’s importance. He is Detroit’s top edge threat, entered the Munich game with five sacks in eight games, and has been one of the league’s most disruptive pass rushers by pressure rate and usage. On a 6-2 team that has been improving defensively but is still not dominant in the secondary, losing him for weeks would directly affect the Lions’ pass rush, third-down defense and overall margin for error. What is not clear yet is the diagnosis. Hutchinson walked off under his own power after the non-contact injury on the landing from his celebration, was listed as questionable, and went to the locker room for evaluation. That leaves a wide range of possibilities, from a short-term scare to a major ligament injury. Until imaging and the team’s follow-up are known, any claim that the season is derailed would be premature. Detroit also has reasons to believe it can withstand adversity better than in past years. The Lions have depth pieces such as DJ Wonnum, rookie Derrick Moore and a solid interior front led by Alim McNeill, and they have been winning with a strong offense and improving defense despite other injuries already. So the moment itself does not automatically derail the season. If Hutchinson misses significant time, however, it would seriously test whether Detroit is deep enough to remain a true NFC contender.

3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Nov 15

Early in the first quarter, Detroit defensive end Aidan Hutchinson was listed questionable to return after injuring his right knee during a sack celebration against New England in Munich.
The injury came after Hutchinson brought down Patriots quarterback Drake Maye on third down, then landed awkwardly while jumping and pumping his right fist, immediately grabbing the knee.
Hutchinson stayed down briefly, then walked off under his own power, entered the blue medical tent and headed to the locker room for evaluation.
The same drive also knocked out Maye with an ankle injury, leaving Tommy DeVito at quarterback for New England.
Hutchinson entered the game with 5 sacks in 8 games for the 6-2 Lions.