The Detroit Lions were plagued by injuries throughout the 2024 season. They lost many key starters on defense, including standout pass-rusher Aidan Hutchinson.
After an impressive season in 2023, Hutchinson got off to a torrid pace in 2024. The former No. 2 overall pick racked up 27 quarterback pressures, 17 QB hits, and 7.5 sacks in five games.
At the pace Hutchinson was on, he might’ve been in heavy consideration for Defensive Player of the Year. However, the uber-talented defensive lineman suffered a fractured tibia and fibula in Week 6 against the Dallas Cowboys, effectively ending his season.
There was a belief that if Detroit made it to the NFC Championship game or Super Bowl, he could get back on the field. However, that never happened for the Lions as they lost in the Divisional Round to the Washington Commanders.
Aidan Hutchinson Making Progress From Season-Ending Injury
Nonetheless, we have a new update from the young defensive end, who shared a video on Instagram of his rehab. In the social media video, Hutchinson is seen running a sprint, which is a good sign regarding his recovery.
The 24-year-old is only four months removed from his season-ending injury, so any progress is good progress. The Lions hope to have a fully healthy Hutchinson for training camp this summer as he’s a key cog to Detroit’s success.
Detroit desperately missed Hutchinson's presence on the defensive line, even though the Lions tried to remedy the situation with the acquisition of Za’Darius Smith. However, at age 32, Smith is not the same player he once was.
The Lions were able to still get home with pressure during the rest of the season, but without the second-year pass rusher it made life a bit difficult. Nonetheless, if Hutchinson can play and look like the same player we saw at the start of 2024, the Lions will be a force to be reckoned with in the NFC next season.