Aidan Hutchinson’s presence in Lions games has become a familiar sight, as the star edge rusher continues to progress in his recovery.
It now seems more likely that, if the Lions extend their season, Hutchinson will play a pivotal role in their postseason run, potentially even appearing in the Super Bowl.
Hutchinson suffered a fractured fibula and tibia in Week 6, but he is now walking without crutches and has even begun running in a pool.
This has led to increased optimism that he could return before the season ends.
According to Amazon’s Albert Breer, Hutchinson’s recovery has advanced to the point where it is now expected he will play in Super Bowl LIX if the Lions make it that far.
Earlier reports suggested Hutchinson could make a Super Bowl return, but Breer’s update strengthens that possibility, making it seem more likely than before.
This would be a significant boost for the Lions, though they still have work to do in order to reach the Super Bowl.
Hutchinson’s return could come earlier than expected, perhaps even during the playoffs, with the possibility of his return window opening during the NFC Championship game.
The Super Bowl’s timing is crucial for Hutchinson’s recovery. Lions head coach Dan Campbell indicated in October that Hutchinson would require four to six months of recovery time.
Hutchinson was injured on October 13, and with the Super Bowl scheduled for February 9, his recovery is aligned with the front end of that timeline, suggesting that a return for the big game is possible, if not likely.
Any return would be a significant positive for a Lions team that is aiming for its first No. 1 seed in over 50 years, which would secure home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.
Despite the Lions’ recent 34-31 victory over the Packers, which tested their depleted defense, Hutchinson’s potential return could be a game-changer.
The Lions’ defense has struggled with injuries, losing key players like defensive tackles D.J.
Reader and Alim McNeill, and with Marcus Davenport expected to miss the rest of the season.
Additionally, linebackers Alex Anzalone, Derrick Barnes, and Malcolm Rodriguez are all on injured reserve. While Barnes may return, Rodriguez is out for the season with an ACL tear.
The Lions still have five injury activation spots left, which they could use to bring back players like Hutchinson, Anzalone, Barnes, and John Cominsky, who could also return for the playoffs.
The Lions are fortunate to have Hutchinson on their roster, especially after the Jaguars selected Travon Walker first overall in the 2022 draft, passing on the Michigan standout.
Hutchinson has quickly emerged as one of the league’s top defensive players.
He was a front-runner for the Defensive Player of the Year award before his injury, with an NFL-leading 7.5 sacks and 17 quarterback hits through just five games.
In addition, Hutchinson led the league in quarterback pressures the previous season.
Since his injury, the Lions have struggled to find a player with a similar impact, with McNeill leading the team in sacks among non-Hutchinson players at just 3.5.
However, Za’Darius Smith, another trade acquisition, has contributed with seven total sacks across his games with the Lions.
While the Lions are still a work in progress and must perform well to make Hutchinson’s return a reality, the 12-1 team is encouraged by the progress Hutchinson has made in his rehab so far.
The hope is that he will be ready to contribute when the stakes are highest, especially if the team can secure a playoff berth and possibly reach the Super Bowl.