Aidan Hutchinson is making steady progress in his recovery from the season-ending broken leg he suffered in Week 6 against the Dallas Cowboys. While early reports had speculated he might return if the Lions made a deep playoff run, that scenario never came to pass. However, his rehab has been going well, and he’s taken another important step—getting back to running at the team facility.
After being spotted at the Lions’ facility on Monday, a video surfaced showing Hutchinson running on the indoor practice field. While his gait looked a bit awkward, it’s an encouraging milestone in his recovery process. Some skeptics were quick to point out that he didn’t look fully recovered, but that’s to be expected. Four months after suffering a broken fibula and tibia, being able to run at all is a notable achievement.
Hutchinson himself acknowledged how difficult the rehab process has been. He spoke on The Pat McAfee Show during Super Bowl week, saying he was close to putting his injury behind him. While he played coy about whether he could have played in the Super Bowl had the Lions made it, it was clear he was itching to get back on the field. Even if he had been able to return, he wouldn’t have been at full strength, but his presence alone could have been an emotional boost for the team.
Despite missing more than half the season, Hutchinson’s impact was undeniable. Before his injury, he had already racked up 7.5 sacks in less than five full games, putting him on pace for a record-breaking season. If he had maintained anything close to that level of production, he would have been a top contender for Defensive Player of the Year. Now, as he eyes a full return in 2025, expectations remain sky-high.
That optimism is reflected in early betting odds for the 2025 season. According to DraftKings Sportsbook, Hutchinson is currently the favorite to win Defensive Player of the Year at +700. He sits ahead of elite pass rushers like T.J. Watt (+750), Myles Garrett (+800), and Micah Parsons (+850). Given that he’s coming off a major injury, it’s rare to see a player in his position listed as the top favorite for such an award, but it speaks to just how dominant he was before going down.
For now, Hutchinson’s main focus is getting back to 100%. Monday’s running session was just another step in that journey. While there’s still work to be done, there’s no doubt he’s on track to reclaim his spot as one of the most feared defenders in the NFL.
Hutchinson’s Comeback: Another Big Step Toward Full Recovery
