The NFL has officially ruled on the Week 9 incident involving Aidan Hutchinson of the Detroit Lions and J.J. McCarthy of the Minnesota Vikings, deciding not to issue a fine to the Lions’ star defender.
Detroit fell to 5–3 after a tight 27–24 defeat to Minnesota in their divisional clash. McCarthy, returning from injury for his first game since Week 2, threw for 143 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. Hutchinson managed one sack on his former Michigan teammate during the contest.
The controversial moment occurred with 7:41 left in the second quarter and the score tied at 14–14. McCarthy delivered a quick 2-yard completion to Justin Jefferson just as Hutchinson closed in. While attempting to make a play, Hutchinson extended his leg toward McCarthy, appearing to trip him. Officials called a 15-yard unnecessary roughness penalty for a “leg whip”, which advanced the Vikings downfield.
Under NFL rules, a first-time leg whip infraction can lead to a fine of up to $17,389, with repeat violations reaching $23,186. However, after reviewing the play, league officials determined that Hutchinson’s contact did not warrant additional discipline, clearing him of a fine.
So far in the 2025 season, only five players have been fined for similar infractions. The list includes Chicago Bears tight end Cole Kmet in Week 1 ($17,389), Cowboys tight end Breven Spann-Ford ($5,370), Chargers safety Derwin James ($17,389), and Buccaneers tackle Charlie Heck ($8,722) in Week 2, as well as Bengals guard Dalton Risner ($7,431) in Week 6.
Although Hutchinson escaped a fine, another Viking did not. Running back Aaron Jones received a $23,186 penalty for illegal use of the helmet during the same matchup.
Next up, Hutchinson and the Lions aim to bounce back in Week 10 against Marcus Mariota and the Washington Commanders, while McCarthy and the Vikings prepare for a challenging game against Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens.
