Defensive end Aidan Hutchinson is reportedly aiming to return at the Super Bowl if the Detriot Lions advance after his horror leg break.
Hutchinson has been out of action since mid-October after he was carted off against the Dallas Cowboys. Hutchinson burst and sacked quarterback Dak Prescott, but his left leg collided with team-mate Alim McNeill, leaving him writhing in agony on the floor.
Replays were shown only once following the incident due to the gravity of Hutchinsons injury as it was later confirmed that he fractured the tibia and fibula in his left leg. It was presumed that the 24-year-old would miss the rest of the season but Hutchinson has been making good progress in his recovery.
Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer reported that the 2022 second overall pick has begun running in a pool and is walking without crutches. He revealed that Hutchinson has “made a lot of progression in his rehab,” before he added: “The expectation is, if they make it to the Super Bowl, Hutchinson will be there.
Hutchinson had given an update to his fans on social media earlier this year as he filmed himself back walking in a clip that was made for a young fan. “And, actually, I’m learning how to walk just now, just like you,” Hutchinson said in the video. “I’m learning how to walk. I got my crutch back here, but I don’t need it.
“But I started walking on Monday, so I’m still learning how to walk. Getting my walking gate down, getting my heel touched, the toe off, all the good stuff.”
The news is a massive boost for the Lions who are currently 12-1 after they withstood a second-half comeback from the Green Bay Packers to win 34-31. Detroit are targeting top seed in the NFC with them moving ahead of the Kansas City Chiefs 11-1 record, albeit it possibly temporarily before the back-to-back Super Bowl champions take on the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday.
Hutchinson has been one of the teams leaders in defense with him a Defensive Player of the Year candidate at the time of his injury as he led the NFL with 7.5 sacks. As a rookie he racked up 9.5 sacks and three interceptions, following that up by totalling 11.5 sacks and forcing three fumbles, recovering two and snagging an interception in 2023.
The Lions face the Buffalo Bills, Chicago Bears, San Francisco 49ers and Minnesota Vikings in their four remaining regular season games as they chase a top seed spot and a wild card round bye. Detroit reached the playoffs for the first time since 2016 last year, reaching the NFC Championship game where they were beaten by the 49ers.
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