Lions top defender out for Vikings game after gruesome injury in Week 6

Detroit Lions edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson is not expected to be available for the team's game next week against the Minnesota Vikings after suffering a serious leg injury on Sunday against the Dallas Cowboys.

Hutchinson was injured in the third quarter of Detroit's matchup against the Cowboys after his left leg collided with Lions defensive lineman Alim McNeill. The Lions medical staff quickly put his leg in an air cast, and he was carted off the field and back into the locker room.

It was an incredibly disappointing moment for Detroit, as they were in the middle of a dominating win over the Cowboys, and now they could potentially be without Hutchinson for the remainder of the 2024 season.

Detroit Lions edge rusher Aidon Hutchinson out for Week 7 against the Minnesota Vikings.

Before suffering his leg injury on Sunday, Hutchinson was in the early conversations for Defensive Player of the Year. Heading into Week 6, the Lions pass rusher was leading the entire NFL in pressures (44) and sacks (eight).

Now, he's not only expected to miss next weekend's big matchup against the Vikings inside U.S. Bank Stadium, but he's likely going to miss the rest of the 2024 season based on how serious his injury looked on Sunday.

Even without Hutchinson, defeating Detroit is going to be a tough task for Minnesota next week. The Vikings haven't lost a game yet this year, but if they're going to win the NFC North this season, then they're going to have to come out on top in difficult matchups like the one against the Lions next Sunday.

There are still plenty of people who have their doubts about Minnesota this year despite the team's 5-0 start. But a convincing victory over the Lions next week would certainly quiet a bunch of those who still don't believe in the Vikings.