The Detroit Lions extended their winning streak to five games with a 35-10 victory over the New England Patriots in Munich, Germany. But the win came with a major concern: star defensive end Aidan Hutchinson left the game with a right knee injury.
Hutchinson was hurt on New England’s opening drive after landing awkwardly while celebrating a third-and-goal sack of quarterback Drake Maye. Maye also left the game with an ankle injury on the play. Hutchinson walked off under his own power, was examined in the medical tent, and then went to the locker room. The Lions later ruled him out for the rest of the game.
## Campbell Says More Will Be Known After the Team Returns Home
After the game, head coach Dan Campbell said there was no new information about Hutchinson’s condition and that the team would know more once it returned to the United States.
Campbell acknowledged the impact of losing a player he described as a captain, a standout teammate, and a player of Hutchinson’s caliber. He also praised the rest of the team for responding and finishing the game strongly. Campbell noted that Detroit had faced a similar challenge before and that players had stepped up in a difficult situation.
Hutchinson previously suffered a serious leg injury in October 2024, when he fractured his tibia and fibula while sacking Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott. He missed the final 12 games of that season.
The extent of the latest injury was not yet known after the Patriots game. Injury analyst Dr. David Chao raised an immediate concern about a possible torn ACL, but an MRI would be needed to confirm the diagnosis. If Hutchinson had a torn ACL, it could end his season, with a typical nine-to-12-month recovery potentially affecting part of the following season as well.
## Detroit’s Defense and Offense Deliver
Hutchinson’s absence would be a significant loss. He recorded his sixth sack of the season against New England and was coming off a career-high 14.5 sacks in 2025. The Lions signed him to a four-year, $180 million extension last October, including $141 million guaranteed—the most guaranteed money ever given to a non-quarterback.
Detroit’s defense continued to pressure the Patriots after Hutchinson left. The Lions recorded four more sacks, including two by rookie edge rusher Derrick Moore. One of Moore’s sacks, an 11-yard takedown of backup quarterback Tommy DeVito, forced a punt.
The offense also had a productive day. Running back Jahmyr Gibbs rushed for 153 yards and two touchdowns on 22 carries, then added seven receptions for 99 yards. Wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown caught four passes for 98 yards and two touchdowns, including a 56-yard score in the first quarter.
The victory improved Detroit’s record to 7-2 and moved the Lions into first place in the NFC North. They are scheduled to host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Ford Field the following Sunday.
