In Week 6 of the NFL season, the Detroit Lions suffered a significant blow when defensive lineman Aidan Hutchinson fractured his leg. Early estimates placed him on the sideline for the remainder of the regular season and possibly the postseason.
Hutchinson’s injury was expected to sideline him for an extended period, leaving many to wonder if he would play again this season. However, recent reports have sparked optimism that he may make a quicker recovery than initially anticipated, with some even suggesting he could return for the NFC Championship Game if the Lions make a deep playoff run.
During the pregame show Fox NFL Sunday on Sunday, Jay Glazer provided an encouraging update on Hutchinson’s recovery progress. Glazer revealed that Hutchinson has been undergoing underwater running on a treadmill as part of his rehabilitation, which is a positive sign for his recovery.
Hutchinson is also able to walk without a cane, despite being advised to use one. Glazer noted that Hutchinson’s hard work and dedication to recovery have raised hopes that he could return to the field sooner than expected. While Hutchinson may not be back for the Super Bowl, there is a chance he could be ready to play in the NFC Championship Game, depending on how his leg heals and how much practice he can get before then.
Before his injury, Hutchinson was playing at an elite level, making a strong case for Defensive Player of the Year. In his first five games, he recorded 7.5 sacks, 17 quarterback hits, and 45 pressures, ranking in the top 15 in the NFL for pressures. Hutchinson’s dominance on the defensive line was a key factor in the Lions’ strong start to the season.
Although the Lions have gone undefeated since Hutchinson’s injury, their defense has faced some challenges, particularly with their pass rush. Without Hutchinson’s presence, the team’s pass rush has been inconsistent. In response, the Lions have increased their blitz rate and traded for Za’Darius Smith to bolster their defensive line. Still, having Hutchinson back late in the season, especially during a potential playoff run, would be a major boost for the Lions.
Heading into Week 14, the Lions rank second in the NFL in points allowed per game (18.0). While the defense has managed to maintain its high level of play without Hutchinson, the return of the 23-year-old pass rusher could provide a game-changing impact during the postseason.
As Hutchinson continues to recover, the Lions and their fans are holding out hope that his progress is more than just optimistic conjecture. If Hutchinson can return in time for a playoff push, it would mark a remarkable recovery and a significant advantage for a team that has shown it can compete with the league’s best.