When Detroit Lions edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson fractured his leg during a victory over the Dallas Cowboys in October, there was cautious optimism that he might return in time for the Super Bowl if the team advanced that far.
Now, there’s a possibility Hutchinson could return even sooner.
On December 8, Fox Sports insider Jay Glazer reported that Hutchinson’s rehabilitation has been progressing well, raising hopes he could return earlier in the playoffs. This development could provide a significant boost to a Lions team with serious Super Bowl ambitions.
Aidan Hutchinson’s Rehab Shows Steady Progress
Glazer shared that Hutchinson has been steadily improving mobility in his injured leg, with signs pointing toward a possible return for the NFC Championship game — two weeks ahead of the initial timeline.
“Aidan Hutchinson, look, here’s where he is,” Glazer said, via Sports Illustrated. “He’s actually doing some underwater running on an underwater treadmill.
He’s able to walk on land — he’s supposed to use a cane, but he’s not really using it right now. They actually are holding out hope, just because of how hard he works, that he could possibly be back not for the Super Bowl, but the NFC Championship game, depending on how that bone feels and how much practice he gets.”
Lions head coach Dan Campbell had previously hinted at the possibility of Hutchinson returning before the end of the season. Shortly after the injury, Campbell noted that the expected rehab timeframe would align closely with the Super Bowl.
“The surgery went great — it is all good news,” Campbell said, via Schuyler Dixon of The Associated Press. “It’s probably 4-6 months, but I would never count Hutch out. It hurts, but if anyone could make it back, it is him.”
Hutchinson has been the Lions’ most reliable pass rusher over the past three seasons. Despite playing only five games this season before his injury, he still leads the team with 7.5 sacks. The Lions have struggled to find a consistent pass-rushing presence to complement him.
Lions Maintain Top Seed With Bold Win
The Lions, now 12-1, lead the NFC after a thrilling victory over the Green Bay Packers on Thursday. In the final minute of the game, with the score tied at 31-31 and the Lions in Packers’ territory, head coach Dan Campbell made a gutsy call. On fourth-and-1, Campbell opted to go for it, ensuring his team had the last chance to secure the win.
The decision paid off. Running back David Montgomery took a handoff from quarterback Jared Goff, stumbled, and surged past the first-down marker. Moments later, kicker Jake Bates sealed the 34-31 victory with a field goal.
After the game, Campbell explained his decision to put the game in the offense’s hands.
“I just felt like we needed to end it on offense,” Campbell said, via the team’s official website. “I did not want to give that ball back, and I believed we could get that. I believed we could convert, and I trust that O-line, I trust David, and they came through for us. It’s a hell of a call by [offensive coordinator] Ben [Johnson]. I knew how I wanted to play this game, the team knew it, and everything in me told me, ‘Let’s finish this,’ and so we did.”
