The Detroit Lions’ 2024 season can only be described as heartbreaking. After a spectacular 15-2 regular-season run, expectations were sky-high entering the playoffs. But everything unraveled in their first postseason game — a Divisional Round matchup against the Washington Commanders.
Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels carved up the Lions’ defense, dropping 45 points en route to a 14-point win. It was a crushing exit for a team that looked like a legitimate Super Bowl contender. Injuries played a significant role in the collapse, with the defense getting hit hard across the board. One of the earliest and most devastating blows came in Week 7 when star edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson went down.
Nearly six months later, Hutchinson appears to be on the comeback trail.
Detroit Lions Star Defender Aidan Hutchinson Is Forging a Comeback
Hutchinson came out firing to start the 2024 season. Through just four and a half games, he had already racked up 7.5 sacks and 12 solo tackles — an absurd pace that had him on early watch lists for Defensive Player of the Year honors after earning his first Pro Bowl nod in 2023.
But during Week 6 against the Dallas Cowboys, Hutchinson suffered a brutal leg injury. He was diagnosed with fractures to both his tibia and fibula, requiring immediate surgery. At the time, head coach Dan Campbell suggested a recovery timeline of four to six months.
Fast-forward to today, and it appears Hutchinson is ahead of schedule. A recent video, apparently filmed at the Lions’ training facility, showed him running the length of the field. While there’s still a slight hitch in his stride, and he’s favoring his left leg, the progress is encouraging.
With OTAs and training camp still a few months away, there’s growing optimism that Hutchinson will be at full strength when the 2025 season begins. And for a Lions team that’s lost in brutal fashion in back-to-back postseasons — not to mention the loss of both coordinators this offseason — his return could be critical.
Great News: Lions superstar DE Aidan Hutchinson is MIRACULOUSLY running at full speed again after suffering a broken tibia and fibula this past season.
One of Detroit’s best players is BACK 👀 pic.twitter.com/QTA7PqyzBF
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) April 6, 2025
Hutchinson entered the league on the heels of one of the most dominant college seasons in recent memory. At Michigan, he totaled 14 sacks and 55 tackles as a senior, capturing the Lombardi Award, Big Ten MVP and DPOY honors, and a unanimous All-American selection. He even finished second in Heisman voting.
Detroit made him the No. 2 overall pick in 2022, and he quickly made his presence felt, earning All-Rookie honors and a Pro Bowl spot in Year 2. His third season was shaping up to be his best yet — until it was cut short.
Now, the former Wolverine is back on his feet, and if he returns to form, Detroit’s window might not be closing anytime soon.