Lions’ Aidan Hutchinson Sends Heartfelt Message to Jack Campbell After Horrific Injury
After handing division rival Minnesota its first loss of the season last weekend, the Detroit Lions followed up with a 19-9 win over the Miami Dolphins on Sunday.
It was an emotional win for Detroit, coming one week after Jack Campbell suffered a frightening neck injury against the Vikings. Campbell’s injury occurred while making a tackle on the Vikings’ TJ Hockenson during the first play of the fourth quarter.
After his helmet hit Hockenson’s hip, Campbell remained motionless on the field as medical staff checked on him. He was eventually stabilized on a backboard before being carted off the field and taken to a local hospital for further evaluation. However, he’s reportedly making progress in his recovery.
Read More on NFL
Campbell remained on the minds of the Lions staff and players on Sunday. During his postgame interview in Miami, defensive end Aidan Hutchinson explained how the Lions dedicated the victory to their injured teammate.
“It was big. To me, the motivation wasn’t hard. … It was a weird week for sure. It was the first time in years I haven’t had Jack in the defensive meetings out there at practice. He’s a quiet dude, but his presence is big, so that one was definitely for him,” Hutchinson said to CBS Sports reporter Melanie Collins on the field.
More news: Sean Payton Has Embarrassing Postgame Blunder After Broncos Win Over Panthers
Hutchinson felt that his team played hard defensively for all four quarters, but mentioned some “self-inflicted errors.” He emphasized the importance of “tightening up” their performance and remaining “locked in” to secure the win.
Along with that, the Lions’ defensive end sent a heartfelt message directly to his teammate, whom Collins indicated would likely be watching his team from home.
“Jack, we love you brother. We know you’re watching. Miss you, man,” Hutchinson said.
The two-time Pro Bowler was part of a solid Lions defense on Sunday that kept the Dolphins out of the end zone on all three of their red-zone possessions. Hutchinson finished with two tackles, while teammate Malcolm Rodriguez recorded a team-high eight.
Derrick Moore came up big with two sacks, while Alim McNeill also recorded a sack on the Dolphins’ Malik Willis.
Several days ago, Lions head coach Dan Campbell provided an encouraging update on his linebacker’s recovery. The head coach also explained how his team would approach the Dolphins game.
“Jack continues to improve, which is all great news. How would he prepare? How would he play? Those are the standards for us going into this game. We owe it to him,” the Lions’ coach said, per NBC Sports’ Pro Football Talk.
Jack Campbell was placed on injured reserve ahead of Sunday’s game with a severe neck injury. He reportedly has full movement in his lower body and has shown improvement in his upper body since suffering the injury.
CBS Sports reporter Melanie Collins said during Sunday’s pregame coverage that Lions head coach Dan Campbell told her the injured linebacker is “determined” to return to the field this season. However, no timetable for his return has been confirmed.
More news: Patrick Mahomes Addresses Elbow Injury Concerns After Chiefs’ Win Over Jets
For more about the Detroit Lions and the NFL, head over to Newsweek Sports.
