By Moses Joshua 
Lions breathe a sigh of relief as their star pass rusher returns at the perfect moment
Subtitle: Detroit regains a crucial defensive weapon just days before their primetime battle with the reigning champions
As the Detroit Lions prepare for what may be the defining matchup of their 2025–26 season — a primetime road showdown against the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles — the stakes could not be higher. With both teams sitting near the top of the NFC, and both boasting MVP-caliber quarterbacks, the margin for error is razor-thin. That means every player’s health matters. And nothing had Detroit fans holding their breath more than Aidan Hutchinson’s name appearing under Did Not Practice earlier this week.
Now, the Lions have shared the update everyone needed to hear.
Aidan Hutchinson Alleviates Injury Scare
In the buildup to Sunday, Detroit received a jolt of concern on Wednesday, November 14, when star defensive end Aidan Hutchinson showed up on the injury report with an elbow issue, listed as a DNP. For a team preparing to contain the dual-threat chaos of Jalen Hurts, even a minor Hutchinson injury can feel seismic.
Hutchinson tried to quiet the panic immediately, telling reporters he would be “good to go on Sunday,” but uncertainty lingered — until Thursday brought a wave of relief.
After missing the previous session, Hutchinson returned to full participation on November 13, putting Detroit’s fears at ease. His presence isn’t just helpful; it’s essential. Detroit’s path to victory likely depends on their ability to collapse the pocket and cut down Hurts’ mobility, and Hutchinson is the engine that drives that effort.
Even with lingering injuries elsewhere — Sam LaPorta, Terrion Arnold, and Kerby Joseph all missed a second consecutive practice — Hutchinson’s return is a massive win for the Lions’ defensive preparation.
Hutchinson’s Dominant Season Continues
Hutchinson has been nothing short of a force of nature this season. Through nine games, he’s compiled:
- 18 total tackles
- 17 quarterback hits
- 57 pressures
- 38 hurries
- Seven sacks
- Four forced fumbles — the most in the NFL
The advanced metrics paint an even clearer picture of just how elite he has been. Per Pro Football Focus, Hutchinson owns a 91.2 overall grade, ranking third among 114 edge defenders, and an eye-popping 92.3 pass-rush grade, slotting him second in the entire league.
If Detroit is going to knock off the 7-2 Eagles, Hutchinson has to be a nightmare for Hurts — and now, the Lions know he’ll be on the field.
Jared Goff’s Stellar Season Sets Up a Heavyweight Duel
Of course, while Philadelphia brings Jalen Hurts, the Lions counter with a quarterback who’s putting up some of the most efficient numbers in football.
The team highlighted Jared Goff’s production on November 12, and the numbers are staggering:
- 1st in the NFL — Completion percentage (74%)
- 2nd — Passing touchdowns (20)
- 2nd — Passer rating (117.7)
- 2nd — Passing first-down rate (41.4%)
- 4th — Passing touchdown percentage (7.3%)
- 5th — Yards per attempt (8.19)
This matchup marks the first meeting between the Lions and Eagles since the 2022–23 season — a pairing many expected to see in last year’s NFC Championship before Detroit fell to Washington.
Now, the rematch comes with higher stakes, hotter storylines, and two of the league’s best pass rushers and quarterbacks ready to collide under primetime lights.
With Hutchinson officially back in action, Detroit enters Week 11 at full strength where it matters most — just in time for one of the season’s most anticipated clashes.