Aidan Hutchinson, the Detroit Lions’ star defensive end, suffered a season-ending injury in October 2024, breaking his tibia and fibula. The injury occurred during a game against the Dallas Cowboys, and Hutchinson underwent successful surgery to stabilize the fracture.
Hutchinson’s recovery process has been long and challenging, with an estimated 8-10 months of rehabilitation. The initial stages of his recovery involved immobilization, with Hutchinson using crutches and avoiding weight-bearing activities. As he progressed, he began to put weight on his leg using a stabilization boot.
Recently, Hutchinson shared a video of himself running at the Lions’ practice facility, marking a significant milestone in his recovery. This progress suggests that Hutchinson is on track to participate in the offseason program, barring any setbacks.
The Lions are expected to pick up Hutchinson’s fifth-year option, which would keep him under contract for the next two seasons. However, it remains to be seen whether the team will offer Hutchinson a contract extension.
In terms of his return to play, Hutchinson had initially hoped to be back in time for the Super Bowl, but that timeline proved ambitious. Nevertheless, his progress is encouraging, and Lions fans are eagerly awaiting his return to the field.