Aidan Hutchinson, a star edge rusher for the Detroit Lions, suffered a broken tibia and fibula during a Week 6 game against the Dallas Cowboys, which has had a significant impact on the team’s season.
Since then, sources have stated that Hutchinson might return in time for the Super Bowl if the Lions make it that far, and one report even suggests that Hutchinson could return for the NFC Championship game. Hutchinson revealed his desired return date during a recent podcast appearance, eliminating the need to rely on reports. This is what he had to say.
Aidan Hutchinson injury update
Hutchinson appeared on “The Squeeze” podcast with host and prominent Lions fan actor Taylor Lautner, and he reiterated that he hopes to return by the Super Bowl. “I’m on track to return for the Super Bowl,” Hutchinson added. “So I keep encouraging all the lads when I see them at the (Lions) facility, ‘You just have to get there. And I guarantee I’ll be back.” You can watch the whole video of Hutchinson’s comments below.
Jay Glazer of FOX Sports has provided an even more optimistic assessment, stating that the Lions are hoping Hutchinson would return for 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 stated. “(Coach) Dan Campbell says also, (it depends on) how much practice he gets.”
Since Hutchinson would need to make a comeback weeks ahead of his four- to six-month recovery period, a return for the NFC championship game always appeared improbable. Hutchinson obviously has a chance, even if he makes it back by the Super Bowl, which is earlier than four months. Hearing directly from Hutchinson himself is encouraging after all the coverage about his condition. However, if the Lions fail to make a run, it will all be for nothing.