After breaking both his tibia and fibula late in the 2024 season, the Lions’ star pass rusher was sidelined for the postseason. Without him, Detroit’s defense lacked bite, and their Super Bowl dreams were buried in a Divisional Round loss to Washington.
Now? Hutch is back — healthy, hungry, and holding nothing back.
The 2022 No. 2 overall pick has gone through a grueling rehab process and is fully cleared for training camp. And if you ask ESPN’s Kevin Clark, Hutchinson isn’t just important to Detroit — he’s the “biggest X-factor in the entire NFL.”
That’s a bold claim, but not an outrageous one. Before his injury, Hutchinson had racked up 7.5 sacks and was well on his way to another Pro Bowl-caliber season. His ability to collapse pockets, set the edge, and lead by example made him the cornerstone of the Lions’ defensive identity. Without him, they lost their swagger.
And with a brutal 2025 schedule that includes road trips to Kansas City, Baltimore, Philadelphia, and Cincinnati, Detroit will need Hutchinson operating at full power if they’re going to make a deep postseason push.
This season isn’t just about coming back — it’s about taking the next step. Hutchinson already has the numbers, the motor, and the leadership. Now, with a clean bill of health and sky-high expectations, he’s entering Defensive Player of the Year territory.
If he delivers, Detroit’s first-ever Super Bowl appearance might not be just a dream — it could become reality.
Lions Get Their Enforcer Back — Hutchinson’s Return Could Shift NFC Power
