Aidan Hutchinson had to go through a grueling rehab process after he tore his – during the 2024 season with the Detroit Lions. Approaching the 2025 campaign, he has determination to get back onto the field as soon as possible.
Hutchinson tore his tibia and fibula against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 6. It ended what could have been a high-level campaign for the defensive star. Case in point, he recorded a league-leading 7.5 sacks and 19 total tackles in five games.
Hutchinson took part in the Lions’ first day of organized team activities, or OTAs. It would be a challenge for a player who just came off a severe leg injury. Despite this, Hutchinson proved he was more than up to the task as he reflected on the experience of coming back on the field.
“First day of OTAs I went out there I got kicked, stepped on, you think of it, everything under the sun, on this leg,” Hutchinson said, per Pro Football Talk. “After practice I got up and I was like, Alright, we’re good. I think it takes those physical things to happen to you to mentally solidify where you’re at and the confidence in moving past it.”
“I’ve had my best seasons coming back from something. We’re going to be shooting for that same trend.”
What Lies Ahead For Aidan Hutchinson, Lions
GettyDETROIT, MICHIGAN – JANUARY 18: Aidan Hutchinson #97 of the Detroit Lions looks on prior to the NFC Divisional Playoff against the Washington Commanders at Ford Field on January 18, 2025 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
Aidan Hutchinson knows what he is capable of when fully healthy, becoming one of the Lions’ most important players.
The 2023 campaign revealed himself as a standout, earning his first Pro Bowl appearance. He finished the season with 11.5 sacks, 51 total tackles, an interception, three forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries.
Hutchinson has the complete support of his players and coaches, particularly defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard. He was the team’s linebackers coach until he got the promotion to command the defense, where he will directly assist Hutchinson. What he saw from the defensive end left a strong impression.
“Listen I’m not saying anything about numbers, statistics or any of that. But, I see a better player than we had last year,” Sheppard said, via ESPN. “And you might be like, ‘Whoa.’ Like, that’s the same thing I said when I saw him out there. I’m like, ‘Whoa.’”
The Lions will be happy to have Hutchinson back in the fold on defense, looking to recover their edge on that side of the ball. They sorely missed him in the playoffs, losing to the Washington Commanders in the NFC Divisional Round.
Detroit had an incredible regular season despite losing Hutchinson early on. They finished with a 15-2 record, the best performance in franchise history. The squad saw the offense take a big step of improvement, especially with running backs Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery and wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown impressing with explosive displays.
The Lions will continue to be a fierce contender in the NFC. This will especially be the case after they reached the conference championship game in 2023. They have the talent to make a Super Bowl run, but it will take a lot for them to stay healthy while beating their stronger foes in the regular season.
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