The Detroit Lions are coming up on one of the most important games of their 2025-26 season on Sunday, November 9, with a high-profile contest against the reigning champions, the Philadelphia Eagles, on the road. There’s a a reason this is a primetime game. Both the Lions and Eagles are at the top of the NFC, and both teams have reasons they could pull off the win.
The Eagles have a leg up going into Sunday’s game, with a 7-2 record and quarterback Jalen Hurts ready to be his mobile self. But, the Lions aren’t far behind them, with a 6-3 record and their own stats-glowing quarterback Jared Goff.
So, the Lions will have to be in top form against the Eagles, and that includes being as healthy as possible. Injuries have plagued the Lions in the past, but right now, their injury report could certainly be worse. But, the Lions were given a scare on Wednesday, November 14, when defensive end Aidan Hutchinson was included a DNP due to an elbow injury on the Lions’ practice report. So, how is he doing now?
An injured Hutchinson would be terrible for the Detroit Lions against the Philadelphia Eagles. The team needs him to put pressure on Hurts and sack him as much as possible. When Hutchinson showed up on the team’s injury report, he came out and said that he would be good to go on Sunday, but it’s still disconcerting to see that he has an elbow injury, even if it’s small.
Well, on Thursday, November 13, Hutchinson returned to full practice participation. That’s a reason to truly breathe a sigh of relief. Now, things aren’t perfect. Tight end Sam LaPorta, cornerback Terrion Arnold and safety Kerby Joseph missed practice for the second consecutive day on Thursday. But, at least Hutchinson is back.
Hutchinson has notched 18 total tackles, 17 quarterback hits, 57 pressures and 38 hurries in the 2025-26 season alone, according to NFL research. He’s also recorded seven sacks and four forced fumbles, the latter figure which is the highest in the NFL.
According to research from Pro Football Focus, Hutchinson has also notched a 91.2 overall grade, which puts him third in the league among 114 graded edge defenders, and a 92.3 pass-rush grade, which is second.
The Eagles have Hurts, but the Lions have Goff, and Jared’s numbers are shining this season. On Wednesday, November 12, the Detroit Lions took to social media to announce Goff’s numbers from this season, and they’re among the best in the league.
According to NFL research, Goff is first in the entire league in completion at 74%. He’s also second in passing touchdowns at 20, passer rating at 117.7 and passing first down at 41.4%, plus fourth in passing touchdowns at 7.3% and fifth in yards per attempt at 8.19.
Sunday’s game will be the first time these teams have played each other since the 2022-23 season, so that brings even more excitement to the contest. The two teams were close to going up each other in last season’s NFC championship game, but the Lions fell to the Washington Commanders in the postseason, before that could happen.
The New Orleans Saints are finalizing preparations for the stretch of the 2025 season, with roster moves settling in and young players carving out their first real roles. But away from the practice field, one surprising off-field decision has drawn national attention.
As the franchise locks in its 53-man roster, focus should be squarely on football. Yet, the personal lives of rookies often become intertwined with the spotlight, especially when outside distractions collide with the demands of the NFL.
This week, a first-year Saint made a headline-grabbing decision unrelated to football. For him, staying in New Orleans’ long-term plans meant not only competing on the field, but also managing the pressures of celebrity attention off it.
That rookie is running back Audric Estimé, who recently secured a spot on the Saints’ 53-man roster after being elevated from the practice squad. Shortly after that milestone, he ended his relationship with a well-known social media celebrity, an online star with millions of followers and a massive global audience.
The influencer built her brand through music, lifestyle content and viral posts that turned her into one of the most recognizable young digital personalities. Her reach and visibility inevitably brought heightened scrutiny onto Estimé as he adjusted to life in the NFL and tried to solidify his role in New Orleans.
The rookie explained his choice candidly in a private conversation that has since circulated among team circles:
“Right now, I need to focus on building my career with the Saints. There were too many cameras, too many eyes on my life off the field. I need peace, I need focus – if not, I will lose my chance and get left behind in New Orleans.”
Fans immediately reacted across X and Instagram, some applauding Estimé for putting football first, others sympathizing with his former girlfriend and questioning the pressure placed on young players to sacrifice their personal lives. The split fueled debate over the challenges rookies face in balancing relationships with the ruthless demands of professional sports.
For Audric Estimé, cracking the 53-man roster is only the beginning. By cutting ties with distractions and the glare of social media celebrity culture, the rookie signaled that his priority is clear: proving himself in the Saints’ backfield and earning trust in New Orleans for years to come.