Within hours or days of suffering a season-ending broken leg in Week 6 against the Dallas Cowboys, reports emerged that Detroit Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson could return for the Super Bowl if the team made it there. A subsequent report even suggested he could potentially play in the NFC Championship Game if the Lions advanced.
However, these scenarios became irrelevant when the Lions were eliminated in the Divisional Round by the Washington Commanders. Nevertheless, Hutchinson has made significant progress in his rehab, and there are no concerns about his return to full strength.
During Super Bowl week on “The Pat McAfee Show,” Hutchinson mentioned he was close to completing his rehab and was coy when asked if he could have played in the Super Bowl if the Lions had made it. Just shy of four months after the injury, Hutchinson wouldn’t have been at full strength but could have potentially played a few snaps, serving more as a symbolic figure for his teammates.
Hutchinson has taken significant steps in his recovery from the broken leg. His social media posts have shown little negativity, offering glimpses into his progress. While rehab hasn’t been easy, Hutchinson acknowledged the challenges and expressed relief that it would soon be behind him.
Hutchinson has been working with trainers and medical staff at the Lions’ facility as he continues to recover. Recently, a video surfaced of him running on the indoor practice field. While his running was not smooth, and his gait appeared awkward, the important takeaway is that he was able to run just over four months after his injury.
Some critics have raised concerns, especially given his less-than-perfect running form. However, these comments seem premature, as the season isn’t set to begin soon. Four months post-injury, seeing Hutchinson run—albeit imperfectly—is an encouraging sign and a positive milestone in his recovery process.