By Sunday 
Training camp is often full of hype. One-handed catches, highlight-reel runs, or quotes that make fans believe this is finally the year. But in Detroit, there’s something different brewing — something real. And at the center of it is Michigan’s own Aidan Hutchinson, looking like a man possessed.
Back Like He Never Left
After missing the latter part of last season — and ultimately, the Lions’ postseason run — due to injury, questions swirled. Would Hutchinson still have that motor? That edge? That top-tier explosiveness that made him a game-wrecker?
Nick Baumgardner of The Athletic gave a resounding answer on X (formerly Twitter):
“No one in Detroit need worry about Aidan Hutchinson. He’s back. Like all the way. Had four sacks in today’s scrimmage including as dominant a practice rep vs. Penei Sewell as I’ve seen from anyone in four years.”
Four sacks. In one scrimmage. Against Penei Sewell, one of the best tackles in football.
That’s not hype. That’s dominance.
A Glimpse of What Could’ve Been
Let’s rewind for a second. Last season, the Lions went 15-2 — a franchise-record. But come playoff time, their defense folded without its anchor. The Washington Commanders picked them apart, largely because there was no Hutchinson coming off the edge to bring pressure.
He finished the regular season with 7.5 sacks, 7 tackles for loss, and 17 QB hits — in just five games. He was on pace for Defensive Player of the Year before that injury halted everything.
Now? He looks like he’s picked up exactly where he left off.
The Comeback + The Climb
There’s a real possibility Hutchinson not only wins Comeback Player of the Year but reclaims his shot at Defensive Player of the Year too. With 28.5 sacks and 4 interceptions already to his name in just 39 career games, Hutch isn’t just a feel-good story. He’s a superstar on the rise — a centerpiece of Detroit’s identity.
And this time, he’s not watching from the sideline.