Major Update Emerges on Aidan Hutchinson's Return Date Before Lions-Packers

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Thad Brown | Last updated Dec 5, 2024 8:12 PM ET

Detroit Lions star defensive end Aidan Hutchinson could be returning to the field sooner than expected, according to NFL insider Albert Breer, who shared the update just before Thursday Night Football.

Hutchinson, sidelined since Week 6 with a serious leg injury, has been progressing well in his recovery and could provide a significant boost to the Lions if they continue their historic season.

The Lions, currently 11-1 and holding the NFC’s top seed, are enjoying a dominant 2024 campaign. With an offense powered by Jared Goff and the dynamic running back duo of Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery, Detroit has emerged as a leading Super Bowl contender.

Their defense, though effective, has clearly felt the absence of Hutchinson, who suffered fractures to his tibia and fibula during a sack on Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott. Before the injury, Hutchinson led the NFL with 7.5 sacks, anchoring the Lions’ defensive success.

Now, it appears he could be on track to return just in time for the Super Bowl.

"The expectation is, if [the Lions] make it to the Super Bowl, (Aidan) Hutchinson will be in uniform." - Albert Breer #NFL #TNF pic.twitter.com/XlIt9Di4Kv
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) December 6, 2024

“And one other guy the defense could be getting back is Aidan Hutchinson,” Breer said. “The expectation is, if they make it to the Super Bowl, Hutchinson will be in uniform.”

Hutchinson’s recovery has been encouraging.

Breer reported that the defensive end has “already started running in a pool, walking without crutches, and he’s been in the Lions’ building every day.” His progress provides hope for a possible return during the biggest game of the season, should Detroit reach the Super Bowl.

The Lions face the 9-3 Green Bay Packers on Thursday Night Football, a matchup with significant playoff implications. Detroit is riding a 10-game winning streak and aiming to secure home-field advantage throughout the postseason. While the defense has adjusted to Hutchinson’s absence with additions like Za'Darius Smith, his potential return would elevate their Super Bowl aspirations.

As the Lions aim to build on last year’s NFC Championship appearance and secure their first Super Bowl berth in franchise history, the prospect of Hutchinson returning to the lineup adds another layer of anticipation for what could be a historic season in Detroit.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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