The Detroit Lions and Philadelphia Eagles are set to clash on Sunday Night Football on November 16, a matchup that’s shaping up to be tight from start to finish. Detroit enters the week at 6–3, while Philadelphia holds a 7–2 record, placing both teams at the top of the NFC.
With stakes this high, health is everything for Detroit. The Lions got a boost on Wednesday, November 13, when Aidan Hutchinson returned to practice after being listed as a non-participant with an elbow issue the day before. Losing him would have been a major hit to the defense, so his return brought optimism.
However, the rest of Friday’s injury update wasn’t nearly as encouraging. The team will need to play close to flawless football to compensate for several key losses.
In the injury report released November 14, the Lions announced that Sam LaPorta and Terrion Arnold will not suit up against the Eagles. They join Kerby Joseph and Josh Paschal, who were already expected to miss the game. Hutchinson, meanwhile, has been cleared to play.
LaPorta’s absence is unexpected, especially since he didn’t appear to suffer an injury during Week 10. With him sidelined, Detroit will likely lean on Brock Wright and Ross Dwelley, though the identity of a possible third tight end remains uncertain.
Hutchinson’s return is crucial, as he has been one of the defense’s most productive players this season. So far in the 2025–26 campaign, he has totaled 18 tackles, 17 quarterback hits, 57 pressures, 38 hurries, seven sacks, and four forced fumbles. Pro Football Focus has also graded him among the league’s elite edge rushers, awarding him a 91.2 overall grade (third among 114 qualifiers) and a 92.3 pass-rush grade (second).
Lions Adjust Play-Calling Approach
During Detroit’s November 9 matchup with the Washington Commanders, head coach Dan Campbell took over offensive play-calling from first-year coordinator John Morton. It’s still unclear whether Campbell will continue calling plays against Philadelphia.
Campbell emphasized that Morton handled the change with professionalism and a team-first attitude.
“John Morton is all about the team,” Campbell said. “He just wants to win and contribute however he can. He was fantastic today.”
Campbell went on to praise Morton’s work ethic, acknowledging that while the shift may not have been easy, Morton handled it like a pro. “He’s a grinder. He prepares, he supports, and he gives you everything you need to get ready. Sure, it probably doesn’t feel great for him, but he gets it. We move forward.”
