Breaking down Ahmed Hassanein injury history and defensive edge review

USA Today

04-05-2025

Breaking down Ahmed Hassanein injury history and defensive edge review
The Lions did not end up drafting a defensive end/edge player in the first three rounds like many (including me) had anticipated. It may not have been for lack of trying though as Brad Holmes post-draft stated he aggressively attempted to trade up about 30 times in round 2 and 3.
The Lions finally picked up an edge in the 6th round who happens to be the only Egyptian ever selected in the NFL draft - Ahmed Hassanein.
Here is my analysis of his medical history along with the rundown of the other key edge players.
(Age at start of 2025 season)
Ahmed Hassanein (23) - signed through 2028
2024 In final game, was playing through a suspected right ankle injury. Played all 14 games.
2023 Played all 14 games. Shoulder labrum surgery after the season.
2022 Played 12 of 14 games. Unspecified injury caused 1 missed game.
2021 Played 9 of 12 games.
Regarding his shoulder surgery, Hassanein has a full season of proof of recovery which is reassuring. It is something to monitor going forward though.
Regarding his suspected ankle issue in his final college game, circumstantial evidence on video suggests that he tweaked a pre-existing right low ankle sprain. In reviewing the tape, I didn't find any significant mechanism of injury and his right ankle was already taped up at the start of the game. He was able to tough it out the entire game and then participate a month later in the East-West Shrine Bowl practices, so it wasn't too serious and there is proof of recovery.
Hassanein should enter his rookie year healthy and ready to produce. When you look at the rest of the group listed below, you'll see that the two starters are coming off significant injuries, the depth has much to prove, and there is no long-term player beyond Aidan Hutchinson. All these factors means that Hassanein has an excellent opportunity to make an impact his rookie season and become a core edge player for many years beyond.
Forty years after The Bangles inspired the world to 'Walk Like an Egyptian", maybe Hassanein can inspire the world to "Sack Like an Egyptian".
Aidan Hutchinson (25) - team control through 2026
October 13, 2024: Left tibia/fibula fracture
Hutchinson lately has been posting very promising videos of his rehab. I expect him to be a full-go physically by training camp. From a mental standpoint, there may be a confidence hurdle to overcome early in the season which could affect his aggressiveness. It's also possible he will take time to tweak his technique to minimize the leg-whip mechanism.
Marcus Davenport (29) - signed through 2025
September 22, 2024: Left triceps tear
The past two seasons have not gone well for Davenport due to a triceps rupture and a high ankle sprain. He only played in two games last year and four games the year prior. The Lions re-signed him to a 1-year, incentive-laden, prove-it deal. Hopefully, he can bounce back from the past two seasons and indeed prove his reliability.
Josh Paschal (25) - signed through 2025
Paschal has a remarkable medical history but is healthy going into the last year of his rookie contract. He has been solid albeit unspectacular with just 5 sacks in his first three seasons. The hope is he can take a big step forward this contract year.
Al-Quadin Muhammad (30) - signed through 2025
Muhammad joined the Lions last season and was moderately productive with three sacks in ten games. While he enters next season healthy, the main concern might be his six game suspension in 2023 for performance-enhancing substances. Any further positive tests could result in a 2-year suspension.
Mitchell Agude (26) - signed through 2025 then ERFA (exclusive rights free agent)
After spending most of last season on the practice squad, Agude played in four games towards the end and enters next season healthy. However, a severe head injury at age nine could become relevant if he has any future concussions.
Isaac Ukwu (26) - signed through 2025 then ERFA
2020 ACL
2019 ACL (other side), MCL, and meniscus tear
As an undrafted rookie, Ukwu only appeared in two games last season and should be healthy going into next. He does have a history of significant injuries to both knees which is something to keep in mind.