A horrifying leg injury ended Aidan Hutchinson’s game early as the Lions defensive end writhed in pain on the ground in the third quarter of Detroit’s beatdown of the Cowboys. 

Hutchinson underwent immediate surgery at a local hospital in Dallas and the team recategorized the injury as a broken tibia, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

The injury is considered season-ending, according to NFL Network.

The injury occurred a few minutes into the third quarter when Hutchinson sacked quarterback Dak Prescott and he appeared to hit his left leg against another teammate’s and it bent awkwardly.

A replay of the play showed that that area near his ankle was the point of impact with his teammate’s leg and it appeared that Hutchinson almost immediately said “I broke it” as he was down on the ground in pain. 

Hutchinson had to eventually be carted off the field as players from both teams came over to wish him well and check on him.

Lions quarterback Jared Goff was visibly upset as Fox broadcast cameras zoomed in on him as he looked on as Hutchinson was being treated. 

“If you just tuned in the score doesn’t matter,” Fox broadcaster Kevin Burkhardt said on the air. “Aidan Hutchinson, the Lions’ best defensive player is lying on the ground. Has suffered a gruesome leg injury. We’re not showing it. I just hope he’s OK. Players on their knees praying, hoping as they work on the Lions’ superstar defensive end.”

The Lions led 34-6 at the time of the injury. 

Hutchinson has been the Lions’ best defender this season and leads the NFL in sacks. 

He has 6.5 sacks this season for Detroit and has 16 tackles. 

Hutchinson had been drafted second overall in the 2022 NFL Draft and had 21 sacks in his first two seasons in the league.