The Detroit Lions are battling a number of injuries and their Super Bowl aspirations are facing a grim reality. But star defensive end Aidan Hutchinson could change the team’s fortunes.
Hutchinson had surgery in October to repair broken tibia and fibula bones after he suffered a gruesome leg injury in the second quarter of the Lions’ 47-9 win over the Dallas Cowboys on Oct. 13.
Detroit Lions linebacker Aidan Hutchinson (97) is examined by team personnel after being injured during the second quarter against the Dallas Cowboys in Arlington, Texas, Oct. 13, 2024. (AP Photo/Jerome Miron)
Despite the nature of the injury, Hutchinson said Wednesday that he is on track to return in time for the Super Bowl.
“I’m on track to get back to the Super Bowl,” Hutchinson said on “The Squeeze” podcast. “I keep telling all the guys when I see them in the facility. I say, ‘You guys just go there and I promise you, I’ll be back.’”
Hutchinson added that when asked by his mother about the possibility of a timely recovery, he replied: “There is no other way.”
Detroit Lions defensive back Aidan Hutchinson reacts during the second quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Oct. 13, 2024. (Kevin Jairaj/Imagn Images)
DAN CAMPBELL MAKES GREAT SAYINGS WHILE DISCUSSING LIONS’ LATEST SHOWS IN RADIO INTERVIEW
Hutchinson is one of six defensive starters who have been sidelined since Week 1. And more than 20 players have been added to the injured reserve list for the season after last week’s tough loss to United Buffalo Bills.
But head coach Dan Campbell said Monday that the team is making no excuses.
“Nobody cares,” he said Monday. “Nobody is going to give us a pass or put an asterisk next to your record.”
Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell answers questions about Aidan Hutchinson’s injury during a news conference after a game against the Dallas Cowboys in Arlington, Texas, Oct. 13, 2024. (AP Photo/Jerome Miron)
The Lions are on an 11-game winning streak after a narrow loss to Buffalo. They close out the season with games against the Chicago Bears, San Francisco 49ers and Minnesota Vikings.
