The Detroit Lions endured a wave of injuries during the second half of the 2024 regular season, with one of the most notable being to defensive end Aidan Hutchinson. He suffered a fractured tibia and fibula in Week 6, which sidelined him for the remainder of the season.
In mid-December, Hutchinson expressed optimism about a potential return if the Lions made it to the Super Bowl, stating that he was on track to play in the biggest game of the year. However, Detroit’s playoff run ended in the NFC Divisional Round with a loss to the Washington Commanders, dashing those hopes.
Hutchinson played just five games during the season but still managed to record 7.5 sacks and 17 quarterback hits, continuing to establish himself as one of the most dominant defensive ends in the league. Heading into next season, it will be intriguing to see if he can regain his explosive form or if this injury has a lasting impact on his performance.
Sports Doctor Gives Potential Update on Hutchinson
Hutchinson is one of the top defensive players in the entire National Football League and despite playing in five games, still led the team in sacks.
While it’s expected that he will be able to return to the team for training camp, Jeff Mueller, PT DPT explained on social media how he saw the video of the 25-year-old’s recovery and is not encouraged about the original timeline.
6+ months out from injury and surgery for Aidan Hutchinson.
Makes me wonder if he had nerve damage along with the Tib/Fib fracture.
Has a long way to go based on his current movement patterns. https://t.co/psFO4cgnYg— Jeff Mueller, PT, DPT (@jmthrivept) May 3, 2025
It is important to note that Mueller has not seen any of the information outside of the videos, to our knowledge, so this is more educated speculation than fact. However, if he is right and there was nerve damage, that could be damning for the young superstar.
Back in April, Hutchinson would go to the first day of The Masters and discuss his rehab process with Marty Smith and explained that he is finished with rehab.
“I’m there. I’d say I’m good. I’ve got my last evaluation tests when I get back, I leave today and I go back tomorrow to the rehab. I’m gonna finish those evals and once I knock them out of the park, I’ll be on my way and done with rehab. It was a long process, I’ll tell you that.”
Hopefully, fans are able to see Hutchinson return to one of the most explosive players in the league get back to form after this serious injury.
Prior to the injury, he was in the Defensive Player of the Year conversation and looked primed to potentially break T.J. Watt’s 22.5 sacks in a single season record.