The Detroit Lions are heading into one of their most critical matchups of the 2025–26 campaign on Sunday, November 9 — a primetime road test against the defending champion Philadelphia Eagles. With both teams sitting near the top of the NFC, this game has major implications and all the makings of a heavyweight battle.
Philadelphia enters the weekend at 7–2, powered by quarterback Jalen Hurts, who remains one of the league’s most dynamic dual-threat players. Detroit isn’t far behind at 6–3, and Jared Goff has been putting up elite numbers of his own. To keep pace with the Eagles, the Lions will need to be as close to full strength as possible — something that hasn’t always been the case in recent years.
That’s why Wednesday’s development caused concern: Aidan Hutchinson appeared on the injury report as a DNP after dealing with an elbow issue. For a team preparing to contain Hurts, losing Hutchinson would be a major setback.
Hutchinson Back on Track After Brief Injury Scare
Fortunately for Detroit, the worry didn’t last long. The star defensive end returned to full participation in practice on Thursday, November 13, easing fears that his elbow injury might linger. Hutchinson had already said he expected to suit up on Sunday, but his return to full work confirms he’s trending the right direction.
Not everything is perfect, though. Sam LaPorta, Terrion Arnold, and Kerby Joseph all missed their second straight practice and remain question marks. Still, getting Hutchinson back on the field this week provides a big boost.
So far this season, Hutchinson has been one of the most disruptive defenders in the NFL. He has racked up 18 tackles, 17 QB hits, 57 pressures, and 38 hurries, along with seven sacks and a league-leading four forced fumbles.
Advanced data backs up his dominance: Pro Football Focus gives him a 91.2 overall grade (third among 114 edge rushers) and a 92.3 pass-rush grade, second in the league.
Jared Goff Having One of the Best Seasons of His Career
While Hurts leads the Eagles’ offense, the Lions have their own standout under center. On Wednesday, November 12, Detroit highlighted Jared Goff’s 2025 production, and the numbers speak for themselves.
Per NFL research, Goff currently ranks:
1st in completion percentage (74%)
2nd in passing touchdowns (20)
2nd in passer rating (117.7)
2nd in passing first-down rate (41.4%)
4th in passing touchdown rate (7.3%)
5th in yards per attempt (8.19)
He’s been one of the most efficient quarterbacks in football, and Detroit will need that level of play again this weekend.
A Long-Awaited Meeting
Sunday marks the first time Detroit and Philadelphia have faced each other since the 2022–23 season, adding even more intrigue. Many expected the two to collide in last year’s NFC Championship Game, but the Lions were knocked out by the Washington Commanders before that matchup could materialize.
This time, both teams are healthy, talented, and fighting for NFC supremacy — and with Hutchinson returning to practice, Detroit gets a crucial piece back just in time.
