Aidan Hutchinson Called 'The Heartbeat of' Lions by David Montgomery After Injury

Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery labeled Aidan Hutchinson "the heartbeat of this team" after the edge-rusher suffered what's expected to be a season-ending injury in Sunday's 47-9 win over the Dallas Cowboys.

"You can feel the energy coursing through the way he talks and how he carries himself," Montgomery said to The MMQB's Albert Breer. "That's a big blow, but we're taking this personal because we know that it means a lot to Aidan."

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported Monday that Hutchinson has already undergone surgery for a broken tibia and will likely be out for the rest of the year.

The 2023 Pro Bowler was trying to bring down Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott when his left leg swung and hit teammate Alim McNeill. He was carted to the back and head coach Dan Campbell confirmed the worst fears of fans after the game.

Hutchinson was exactly as advertised on the field from the moment the Lions selected him second overall in the 2022 NFL draft. He had 21 sacks through his first two years, and this season was on pace to be his best yet. His 7.5 sacks lead the NFL and he's tied for sixth in tackles for loss with seven.

Although he didn't grow up as a fan of the Lions, the Plymouth, Michigan, native quickly formed a strong bond with the fanbase while becoming an influential voice inside the locker room. He was one of six players voted to become a captain before the season kicked off.

Under normal circumstances, improving their record to 4-1 and hammering the Cowboys so soundly would've affirmed the Lions' credentials as a Super Bowl contender. Instead, Detroit will have to show it can continue to win without one of its defensive standouts.