The Detroit Lions’ loss to the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday may come with added consequences for star defensive end Aidan Hutchinson, who is now under league review for a questionable tackle on quarterback J.J. McCarthy.
During the second quarter of Detroit’s 27–24 defeat, Hutchinson was flagged for unnecessary roughness after appearing to extend his leg in an attempt to trip McCarthy. While it was already a costly penalty in the game, the move could now result in an NFL fine, as the league regularly evaluates plays for potential discipline throughout the week before announcing fines on Saturdays.
Hutchinson’s History With League Fines
This isn’t Hutchinson’s first run-in with the NFL’s disciplinary process. In 2023, he was fined $11,473 for an illegal hit against the Carolina Panthers. However, he’s also managed to avoid punishment on a few borderline hits, including a late shove on Patrick Mahomes earlier this season that many thought would result in a fine — but didn’t.
This time, though, the outcome may not be so forgiving. The league has taken a strict stance against tripping plays, with multiple players already penalized this year, including Buffalo Bills pass rusher Joey Bosa for a similar incident against the Panthers.
J.J. McCarthy’s Subtle Jab at the Lions
McCarthy, who returned from injury to lead the Vikings’ win, added some salt to Detroit’s wound after the game. Posting photos from the victory on Instagram, he captioned them, “Knee caps are intact,” — a playful reference to Dan Campbell’s famous 2021 quote about building a team that “bites kneecaps.”
Teammates applauded McCarthy’s performance, with tight end T.J. Hockenson calling him “a vet through and through,” noting his composure and leadership beyond his years. McCarthy himself credited the entire team, saying they played with a “different energy and focus” and emphasized that their best football is still ahead.
Lions Look to Rebound
Detroit now turns its focus to a Week 10 matchup against the Washington Commanders, who are dealing with injuries and suspensions of their own. Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels is sidelined with a dislocated elbow, while linebacker Frankie Luvu will miss the game after being suspended for a drop hip tackle against the Seattle Seahawks — an infraction that went unpenalized on the field but was later punished by the league.
With the Lions seeking to regain control of the NFC North, Hutchinson’s potential fine adds another layer of adversity to an already turbulent stretch of their season.
