Sources close to Aidan Hutchinson believe the standout defensive end for the Lions may have a realistic chance to return for the Super Bowl if Detroit makes it that far.
One source even told ESPN that, given Hutchinson’s determination and injury, it would be more surprising if he didn’t return for a potential Super Bowl than if he did.
Hutchinson is currently recovering from surgery on his fractured left tibia and fibula, which took place at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center in Irving, Texas.
He views this injury as less severe than the one he had as a junior at Michigan in 2020, when he fractured his right ankle and missed nearly the entire season.
The Lions have placed Hutchinson on injured reserve this week, but coach Dan Campbell expects a recovery timeline of four to six months and does not consider it a season-ending injury.
“I would never count Hutch out, ever,” Campbell stated Monday. “It’s probably a long road ahead, but if anyone can make it back, it’s him.”
Detroit is also reaching out to other teams to inquire about available defensive ends, according to league sources. However, with recent re-signings and financial constraints, the Lions are limited in their options for acquiring a new defensive end.
They would also need cooperation from another team, and no deals have materialized yet. While they continue to search, the Lions appear prepared to rely on their current defensive lineup.
One player they may be considering is Za’Darius Smith of the Cleveland Browns, a three-time Pro Bowler with 63 career sacks, including three this season.
Smith, 32, has one year left on his contract after this season, and the Browns would prefer to retain him. He is earning a base salary of $1.21 million this season and $1.5 million next season, in addition to $9 million in bonuses.
For now, the Lions remain focused on Hutchinson and are honoring him. Defensive tackle Alim McNeill pointed out that the value of his recent four-year extension was $97 million, which he sees as a tribute to Hutchinson, who wears No. 97.
Despite being out for the rest of the regular season, Hutchinson was fortunate in several aspects related to his injury.
AT&T Stadium, where Hutchinson got injured, is only about ten minutes from Baylor Scott & White Medical Center, renowned for treating such injuries. Dr. Alan Jones, who performed the surgery, is highly regarded for repairing injuries like Hutchinson’s.
Fortunately, Hutchinson only suffered broken bones, without any damage to ligaments, nerves, or arteries, and had a rod inserted into his leg. As serious as the injury was, he was fortunate to be in the right place at the right time.
At 24, Hutchinson leads the NFL this season with 7.5 sacks in his third year after being drafted second overall by the Lions in 2022.
Be the first to comment