Detroit Lions star Aidan Hutchinson left the field in Munich after injuring his right knee while celebrating a sack of New England quarterback Drake Maye. Hutchinson brought Maye down on third-and-goal, jumped to celebrate and went down as he landed. He walked to the medical tent holding his right knee, then emerged under his own power and headed to the locker room.
Hutchinson was listed as questionable to return at the end of the first quarter, and Detroit had not announced a diagnosis. Former NFL team physician David Chao expressed concern about a possible ACL tear based on video, but his assessment was not a medical diagnosis. Further evaluation would be needed to determine the severity of the injury.
The Lions entered the game on a four-game winning streak, while the Patriots had lost two of their previous three. Kickoff at Allianz Arena came at 9:30 a.m. EST (6:30 a.m. PST). Andy Borregales put New England ahead 3-0 with a 33-yard field goal after Hutchinson’s sack. Amon-Ra St. Brown responded with a 56-yard touchdown, giving Detroit a 7-3 lead that held through the first quarter.
## Aidan Hutchinson’s Career With the Detroit Lions
Born on Aug. 9, 2000, in Plymouth, Michigan, Hutchinson played defensive end, tight end, offensive line and long snapper at Divine Child High School in Dearborn. His father is former Michigan All-American Chris Hutchinson.
At Michigan, Hutchinson set a school single-season record with 14 sacks in 2021 and finished second in Heisman Trophy voting. Detroit selected him second overall in the 2022 NFL Draft, and he finished second in Defensive Rookie of the Year voting.
Hutchinson earned Pro Bowl selections in 2023 and 2025, as well as second-team All-Pro honors last season. He recorded 14.5 sacks that year and led edge rushers with 100 pressures. A broken leg ended his 2024 season after he had recorded 7.5 sacks in five games.
In October 2025, Detroit signed Hutchinson to a four-year, $180 million contract extension through 2030, including $141 million guaranteed.
## How Hutchinson’s Injury Could Affect the Patriots
Hutchinson entered Sunday’s game with five sacks and a forced fumble this season. New England was starting backups at both guard positions, while its inactive list included center Ben Brown and tackles Walter Rouse and Dametrious Crownover.
If Hutchinson could not return, the Patriots would face less pressure from Detroit’s leading pass rusher. The Lions could turn to Al-Quadin Muhammad, who had 11 sacks in 2025, and defensive tackle Alim McNeill. McNeill beat guard Greg Van Roten off the snap during a flea-flicker on New England’s opening drive, before Maye escaped and completed a pass to Mack Hollins. Detroit edge rusher Ahmed Hassanein and lineman Mekhi Wingo were also inactive.
Fewer snaps against Hutchinson could give Maye—or backup Tommy DeVito—more time to throw behind a patchwork offensive line. A.J. Brown was back after a multi-week absence, Rhamondre Stevenson was active, and TreVeyon Henderson was out.
Maye took a delay-of-game penalty before the third-down play and left the field appearing hobbled after the sack. He was later listed as questionable with an ankle injury, although he had practiced fully during the week while managing a right shoulder issue. Maye entered the game with 18 touchdown passes and an NFL-high 11 interceptions.
The results of Hutchinson’s knee evaluation would determine how long Detroit might be without its leading pass rusher—and how much relief the Patriots’ offense could get.
