The Detroit Lions are looking to be as dominant as they were throughout the regular season last year. Injuries devastated Detroit, however, and one player who suffered a season-ending injury was star defensive end Aidan Hutchinson, who fractured his fibula and tibia in his left leg in Week 6 against the Dallas Cowboys.
Hutchinson is one of the bright stars on the defensive side, and losing him for a majority of the season was a massive blow to the Lions. However, he made an announcement regarding where he is in his recovery process, and it has many fans excited for what to expect in the 2025 NFL season.
What did Hutchinson wind up saying, and how close are we to seeing him return to the field?
Aidan Hutchinson Announces Massive Injury Update
Hutchinson has been one of the most feared players on the defensive side of the field, regardless of age, and having him on the field completely changes how an offense prepares. While addressing the assembled media in Detroit ahead of organized team activities, Hutchinson made a very clear announcement about his health status.
“I’m fully cleared.”
Aidan Hutchinson said now has been fully cleared for football activity: pic.twitter.com/86ZJBG2Odg
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter)
Hutchinson has been a force on the defensive line for the Lions throughout his young career. In 39 games, he has recorded 28.5 sacks, 65 quarterback hits, four forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries, four interceptions, and 10 pass deflections.
How he bounces back from the injuries could be a massive indication of how his next contract will look. Since the team has already exercised Hutchinson’s fifth-year option, he’s under contract through the 2026 season.
The Lions have been looking to improve their defensive line. For Week 1, they are projected to have Hutchinson, DJ Reader, Alim McNeill, and Marcus Davenport on the line.
The Lions’ defense is going to look a little different. Kelvin Sheppard is Detroit’s new defensive coordinator for the upcoming season after Aaron Glenn left the team to take the head coach position for the New York Jets. Nevertheless, with the laundry list of injuries on the defensive side of the ball by the end of the season, it’s great to at least see Hutchinson back at 100%.
Detroit plays the Green Bay Packers in Week 1 of the 2025 NFL season on Sept. 7, so Hutchinson is expected to be on the field for that game. With a clean bill of health after the injuries to his left leg, it will be interesting to see if that slows him down or affects him going forward on the field.