Sherrone Moore sends thoughts to Aidan Hutchinson after season-ending injury

Detroit Lions star defensive end Aidan Hutchinson, a Michigan standout and alum, broke his left leg Sunday during a 47-9 win over the Dallas Cowboys.

Hutchinson broke both his tibia and fibula. While sacking Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott in the third quarter, Hutchinson collided with teammate Alim McNeill.

Hutchinson had to be taken off the field in a stretcher. He has already undergone surgery and is expected to make a full recovery, but the Lions aren’t expected to have his pass rushing artistry the rest of the season.

Current Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore has been on staff in Ann Arbor since 2018, Hutchinson’s true freshman season.

“I texted him,” Moore said Monday. “Also just want to say a prayer to him and his family. Horrific injury. I mean, what a great human being — obviously an outstanding player but a great human being. He left the legacy here, and I know he’s the heartbeat of that team.

“So, really, just want to say a prayer to him and his family, tell him that they’re in our thoughts.”

Hutchinson ranked third nationally with 14 sacks during the 2021 college season, his final and most triumphant with the Wolverines. He helped Michigan finally beat Ohio State, win a Big Ten title and, for the first time in program history, reach the College Football Playoff.

The Plymouth, Michigan, native became the runner-up for the Heisman Trophy and, eventually, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.

Hutchinson made the PFWA All-Rookie Team in 2022. He piled up 9.5 sacks and intercepted three passes that season. Last year, the Lions won their division for the first time since 1993, and the NFC North specifically for the first time since the division was created in 2002. They also made their first NFC Championship since 1991. Hutchinson was a big part of that run, as he recorded 11.5 sacks, forced three fumbles, picked off a pass and notched 14 total tackles for loss en route to a Pro Bowl selection.

So far this season, Hutchinson, a first-time Lions captain, leads the league with 7.5 sacks — he compiled that total in not even five complete games. He was also on pace to clear the 50-tackle mark for the third season in a row.

The Lions are 4-1 and once again look like a Super Bowl contender. This year, however, they’ll have to make a run without their best pass rusher and arguably the league’s best defensive player.