The Detroit Lions have faced their share of significant injuries this season, but none have been as impactful as the loss of star edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson.
Hutchinson was in the midst of a career-best season and was a frontrunner for Defensive Player of the Year honors before suffering a broken tibia and fibula during the Lions’ Week 6 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys.
Since the injury, reports have hinted at Hutchinson’s potential return by the Super Bowl—if the Lions advance that far—and some have even suggested a slim possibility of him being ready for the NFC Championship Game.
Now, Hutchinson himself has spoken out about his recovery timeline, clarifying his target return date.
Aidan Hutchinson Confirms Target Return Date
Appearing as a guest on The Squeeze podcast, hosted by actor and Lions fan Taylor Lautner, Hutchinson revealed his goal is to be back on the field by the Super Bowl.
“I’m on track for my goal of returning for the Super Bowl,” Hutchinson said. “I keep telling all the boys when I see them in the (Lions) facility, ‘you’ve just got to get there. And I promise you I’m going to be back.’”
Optimistic Reports: NFC Championship Game?
FOX Sports insider Jay Glazer recently provided a slightly more optimistic take, suggesting the Lions are hopeful Hutchinson could return as early as the NFC Championship Game.
“Just because of how hard he works, that he could possibly be back (by) not the Super Bowl, but the NFC Championship game depending on how the bone feels,” Glazer reported. “(Coach) Dan Campbell says also, (it depends on) how much practice he gets.”
While a return for the NFC title game seems unlikely given Hutchinson’s initial four-to-six-month recovery timeline, the fact that even the Super Bowl remains within reach is impressive.
Hope for the Lions’ Playoff Run
Hearing Hutchinson’s status directly from him brings hope to Lions fans and teammates alike. However, his potential return will mean little if Detroit fails to make a deep playoff run.
For now, Hutchinson’s focus remains on recovery, while his teammates focus on getting the Lions to the Super Bowl stage where he can make his long-awaited return.
