By Blessing 
The Detroit Lions wrapped up their 2024 season with a bitter taste of unfinished business. After dominating the NFC during the regular season and locking in a 15-2 record that earned them the top playoff seed, expectations soared. But instead of a deep postseason run, their journey was cut short in stunning fashion—falling 45-31 to the Washington Commanders in the divisional round. A major factor in that loss? The absence of their defensive cornerstone, Aidan Hutchinson.
Hutchinson, one of the league’s most disruptive pass rushers, saw his promising season end prematurely in October after suffering a fracture in both his tibia and fibula. The injury was a significant blow not just to the Lions’ defensive line, but to their overall playoff hopes.
Fortunately for Detroit fans, Hutchinson’s recovery has gone according to plan. He’s on track to participate in training camp and says he’s eyeing a full return for Week 1 when the Lions open the 2025 season on the road against the Green Bay Packers.
> “I’m exactly where I need to be,” Hutchinson shared with CBS Sports’ Ryan Wilson. “Every year I’ve been able to improve on my own physical attributes along with the mental ones, so I feel like every year I take a step. Despite having that rehab this offseason, I feel like I’m in the perfect spot and exactly where I need to be going into Year 4.”
Before the injury derailed his campaign, Hutchinson was on pace for a career-defining year. In just five games, he racked up 7.5 sacks, 19 tackles, 17 quarterback hits, and a forced fumble. The Lions had blown out the Dallas Cowboys 47-9 in the game where Hutchinson went down, which made the injury all the more gut-wrenching.
Standing at 6-foot-7 and weighing 268 pounds, Hutchinson has already carved out a name for himself in the NFL. Across his career, he’s tallied 28.5 sacks, 122 tackles, 10 deflected passes, 4 interceptions, 4 forced fumbles, and 4 fumble recoveries. His mix of raw power, lightning-quick burst, and sharp instincts makes him a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks.
If he stays healthy in 2025—and the Lions avoid any more key injuries on defense—Detroit looks poised to replicate last season’s dominance. But head coach Dan Campbell isn’t satisfied with just winning the NFC North again. He’s got his sights set on something much bigger: the franchise’s first trip to the Super Bowl.
The Lions certainly have the roster to contend. However, there will be new challenges to navigate, particularly with changes in the coaching staff. Both Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn—the offensive and defensive coordinators—have moved on to head coaching jobs with the Chicago Bears and New York Jets, respectively.
While those departures leave a leadership gap, Detroit acted quickly. John Morton has stepped in as the new offensive coordinator, while former linebackers coach Kelvin Sheppard takes over the defensive side of the ball. The transition may take time, but with a healthy Hutchinson back on the field and a roster full of talent, the Lions aren’t looking to take a step back.
Instead, they’re charging forward—with Hutchinson leading the way—determined to finish what they started.