If the Detroit Lions can find a way to battle through their injuries and reach the Super Bowl on Feb. 9, their star edge-rusher may be joining them on the field.
According to Fox Sports and NFL Network’s Peter Schrager, DE Aidan Hutchinson told Taylor Lautner on “The Squeeze” podcast that “I’m on track for my goal of returning for the Super Bowl.”
The fact there is even a possibility of Hutchinson returning this season is remarkable, given the severity of his injury.
In the Lions’ Week 6 win over the Dallas Cowboys, Hutchinson was sacking QB Dak Prescott when his leg appeared to snap above the ankle as he collided with teammate Alim McNeill. Hutchinson suffered a fractured tibia and fibula and underwent surgery in October.
Before the injury, Hutchinson had established himself as an early season contender for Defensive Player of the Year with 12 solo tackles, 7.5 sacks and one forced fumble.
While Hutchinson’s injury could have been a setback for Detroit, the Lions have gone 8-1 without him, with the team’s only loss coming on Sunday against the Buffalo Bills, 48-42. However, the Lions have given up 30 or more points in the last two weeks and only recorded one sack total, which is an area Hutchinson has excelled at in his young career.
Injuries, though, continue to take a toll on the 12-2 team. Before Sunday’s loss, the Lions already had 13 defensive players on the injured reserve list. With CB Khalil Dorsey (ankle), RB David Montgomery (MCL) and McNeill (torn ACL) ruled out for the season, as well as starting CB Carlton Davis III suffering a fractured jaw in the loss, the injuries keep piling up for Detroit.
Although the mounting injuries on the Lions roster are concerning, they are still seventh in the NFL in opponent points per game (20.1), per TeamRankings.
If the Lions can find a way to get to New Orleans for Super Bowl LIX in February, expect Hutchinson to do everything in his power to be on the field.
