Aidan Hutchinson appeared to suffer a broken leg in a harrowing scene with the Detroit Lions superstar carted off during Sunday’s game against the Dallas Cowboys.

Defensive end Hutchinson burst off the edge and sacked Dallas quarterback Dak Prescott, but his left leg collided with teammate Alim McNeill. Hutchinson was left in agony on the floor, tearing off his gloves as he lay flat on his back before being taken away on a cart.

FOX showed one replay of the incident on the broadcast immediately, but announcer Kevin Burkhardt later told viewers they would show no more due to it being too gruesome.

“Heartbreaking scene here in Arlington and we’re not going to show you the replay because we saw it in the break and, trust me, you don’t want to see it,” Burkhardt said. “Aidan Hutchinson’s leg went a very funny way and, obviously, there is major concern for him down on the field and if you can read lips, it seems like he’s saying he broke it, and it’s just terrible.”

It had been shaping up to be a perfect day for Detroit until Hutchinson’s injury, dishing out a one-sided beatdown to the Cowboys. The Lions lead 37-9 in the third quarter and are on course to go to 4-1.

Players from both teams were visibly upset as Hutchinson was tended to, with his teammate sending prayers for their stricken leader.

Hutchinson has become one of the best players in the NFL since being drafted No. 2 overall in 2022, leading the league with 6.5 sacks heading into Sunday’s game at AT&T Stadium.

A significant period on the sidelines seems inevitable for the Lions’ defensive talisman, which would be a huge blow to their Super Bowl hopes, having reached the NFC championship game last season and made an impressive start to this campaign.

NFL stars past and present were quick to send their best wishes to Hutchinson on social media. Three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year JJ Watt said: “Aidan Hutchinson, no. Damnit man, that is horrific.”

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill posted: “Prayers for Hutch,” while Robert Griffin III said: “Prayers up for Aidan Hutchinson.”

Former New England Patriots and Indianapolis Colts defensive back Darius Butler, star of “The Pat McAfee Show”, added: “Damn! Hate to see Hutch go down like that. Was having a career year.”