By Moses Joshua 
Detroit’s defensive leader avoids a fine after controversial tripping call in loss to Vikings
No Fine for Hutchinson After League Review
Detroit Lions star edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson can breathe a sigh of relief after the NFL chose not to issue a fine for his tripping penalty in last week’s 27–24 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. The league released its list of player fines from Week 9, and Hutchinson’s name was noticeably absent — a sign that league officials deemed the play did not warrant additional punishment.
The incident occurred when Hutchinson pursued Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy, ultimately bringing him down by extending his leg — a move that drew a 15-yard penalty for tripping during the game. Though the play sparked discussion among fans and analysts, the league’s postgame review concluded that no further disciplinary action was necessary.
This isn’t the first time Hutchinson has avoided financial consequences following an in-game flag. Earlier this season, he was penalized for a late hit on Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, but once again escaped a fine the following week.
The 24-year-old pass rusher has, however, been fined in the past — most notably in 2023, when he was docked $11,473 for a roughing-the-passer call against the Carolina Panthers.
Lions Focus on Rebounding From Costly Loss
While Hutchinson avoided further trouble with the league, the Lions are still looking to rebound after a disappointing divisional loss that kept them from seizing first place in the NFC North. Detroit now sits a half-game behind the Green Bay Packers and has already matched its loss total from last season’s 15-2 campaign.
Head coach Dan Campbell addressed the team’s mindset heading into Week 10, emphasizing the value of facing adversity.
“It’s good to be a little bit of an afterthought again,” Campbell told reporters. “It’s like, ‘Hey man, all good.’ We’ll go about our business over in the corner and get our stuff right and come out humming. So, it’s good.”
Campbell acknowledged that heightened expectations come with success, but he remains confident the Lions can regroup and find their rhythm as the season progresses.
Banged-Up Detroit Eyes Bounce-Back Against Commanders
Detroit’s Week 10 matchup against the Washington Commanders comes at a crucial time, with both teams nursing significant injuries. The Commanders will be without rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, who suffered a dislocated elbow last week against Seattle.
Meanwhile, the Lions continue to deal with a depleted secondary. Cornerbacks Khalil Dorsey and D.J. Reed are on injured reserve, and safety Kerby Joseph remains sidelined with a knee issue.
Despite the setbacks, the Lions remain confident their defensive front — anchored by Hutchinson — can help them reclaim momentum. As Campbell put it, Detroit’s focus is squarely on “getting our stuff right” before the season’s decisive stretch begins.
With the NFL’s final ruling behind him, Hutchinson can shift his attention fully to the field — and to helping the Lions reassert themselves as one of the NFC’s most dangerous contenders.