Ahmed Hassanein may finally be on the verge of his first NFL game.
The second-year Detroit Lions defensive end has yet to make his official debut, but Sunday’s matchup with the Miami Dolphins could open the door. Veteran DJ Wonnum is in the NFL’s concussion protocol after a collision with safety Brian Branch against the Minnesota Vikings, and that injury situation could push Hassanein onto the active roster for the first time.
Aidan Hutchinson sounded like a player expecting to see it happen. In an interview with 97.1 The Ticket, the Lions star said, "If I was a betting man I'd say Ahmed's probably getting his opportunity this weekend.
Derrick Moore is gonna be out there for sure, both those guys," Hutchinson said. "D-Mo's shown a ton of progression these first few weeks, and I know Ahmed's just itching to get out there, man.
He can't wait. I think it's going to be a good opportunity for those guys, and couldn't be happier for them."
Hassanein’s path to this point has already been a winding one. His rookie year ended before it ever really began, as he was waived with an injury diagnosis last season and later returned to the practice squad once the injury settlement expired. He was never elevated to the active roster, which left him without an official NFL appearance.
This summer looked different. Hassanein put together a strong training camp, made the team and has remained on the roster, even if he has been a healthy scratch in every game so far. Midway through his second season as a pro, he is still waiting for that first chance.
If Wonnum can’t clear the concussion protocol, the opportunity could arrive on Sunday. A more complete update on his status is expected this week at practice, and that will go a long way toward determining whether Hassanein is active against Miami.
For the 2025 sixth-round pick out of Boise State, the moment would cap a long and unusual climb. Born in Egypt, he took an unlikely route to the league before landing at Boise State and eventually getting drafted by Detroit.
The Lions also changed his role this offseason, shifting him from a rush end to a big end with added run-game duties and more flexibility in where he lines up. Even with the adjustment, he flashed during the preseason, including a sack of Cincinnati Bengals starting quarterback Joe Burrow in the opener.
Now the injuries in front of him may finally create the opening he’s been waiting for. Sunday could be the day Hassanein gets his first real shot.
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