Story by
One Move Lions Head Coach Dan Campbell Must Make Before Week 3
- Story by
- One Move Lions Head Coach Dan Campbell Must Make Before Week 3
The Detroit Lions will look to post a major bounce-back performance at home in Week 3 against the New York Jets after falling to the Buffalo Bills on the road in Week 2.
Though there is plenty of the season left to go and Detroit is 1-1, head coach Dan Campbell's squad is still facing a couple of pressing issues, especially at edge rusher. Outside of Aidan Hutchinson , the Lions haven't gotten much pass-rushing production from the position group.
Advertisement
Hutchinson is the only edge rusher on the roster to record a sack this year . Rookie Derrick Moore and free-agent addition D.J. Wonnum were expected to serve as solid complementary pieces across from Hutchinson, but both have been off to slow starts through two games.
Detroit can't rely on Hutchinson to be its only source of pass rush in 2026, so Campbell and the coaching staff should give a preseason darling a shot to contribute in regular-season action.
Ahmed Hassanein Must Be in Lions Pass-Rushing Rotation in Week 3
Aug 3, 2026; Allen Park, MI, USA; Detroit Lions defensive end Ahmed Hassanein (99) looks on following Detroit Lions training camp. Mandatory Credit: Paul Barnick-Imagn Images
Hassanein had an excellent training camp and preseason , as the second-year edge rusher constantly wreaked havoc in the backfield and generated pressure on the quarterback. After missing most of his rookie year in 2025 with a pectoral injury , Hassanein proved that he belonged with the Lions, but the Boise State product has been a healthy scratch in the first two games.
Advertisement
Though Hassanein hasn't appeared in a regular-season game yet, it's time for Detroit to see if he can produce. With Moore and Wonnum posting underwhelming performances so far, the Lions should turn to other pass-rushing options.
Hassanein could provide a spark to Detroit's pass rush and take pressure off Hutchinson . It's unlikely that Hassanein will step in as a high-quality No. 2 edge rusher, but the 24-year-old at least deserves a chance to play.
Campbell was asked about the possibility of giving Hassanein some run this week, and the Lions head coach didn't shut the idea down.
Advertisement
"Right now, I'm open to everything," Campbell said via Nolan Bianchi of The Detroit News.
Overall, Hassanein did more than enough in camp and preseason play to receive an opportunity to earn a role on Detroit's defense, especially with the pass rush being incredibly lackluster in two games outside of Hutchinson.
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Sep 21, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
