Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell recently addressed an ESPN report claiming that the organization had concerns about Aidan Hutchinson’s safety on the field. The report alleged that the Lions had asked the league to keep an eye on the use of cut blocks against Hutchinson, considering his recovery from a past injury. Campbell strongly rejected the story, declaring, “That’s bogus. Nobody here ever said that. That’s bull.”

According to Adam Schefter, the Lions had voiced worries about the frequency of cut blocks aimed at Hutchinson, which involve opponents attacking his lower body. Although the move is legal, the Lions were said to be particularly cautious since Hutchinson previously missed a season due to a broken leg. Schefter mentioned that the Lions had “taken notice” of this development.

Cut blocks remain permissible under NFL rules, but with Hutchinson coming off a season lost to a leg injury, Schefter claimed Detroit had “taken notice.”

“They’ve contacted the league office to monitor blocks against Aidan Hutchinson,” Schefter reported. “It’s not that this will shield him during games, but people have clearly seen the hits, and the Lions want the league to be aware of them too.”

“That’s bogus,” Campbell responded. “That’s a completely false report. I don’t know where it started. Nobody here ever did that. That’s bull—. Football is played a certain way. That’s how it is. It doesn’t matter what we’re doing or what opponents are doing to our players.”

Campbell’s response was centered on Hutchinson’s play and how opposing offenses are handling him. Although the report suggested that the Lions were anxious about how low blocks could affect his safety, Campbell argued that such plays are simply part of the sport. He stressed that “the game’s played a certain way,” showing his respect for the toughness and physicality of NFL competition.

Hutchinson has continued to dominate defensively, sitting tied for second in the NFL with five sacks and leading all players with 31 pressures. Campbell applauded Hutchinson’s ability to fight through double teams, saying, “What he does isn’t easy,” while highlighting his qualities as a “complete football player” who is “violent, crafty, explosive, tough, high motor, and competitive.”

As the Lions look ahead to future games, their priority remains maximizing Hutchinson’s strengths while ensuring the team stays prepared for the challenges that await.