With just three games remaining in the regular season, the Detroit Lions are currently 12-2 after their impressive 11-game winning streak was halted. Last Sunday, the Buffalo Bills defeated them 48-42 at Ford Field, a tough loss that saw several key players injured. Running back David Montgomery and defensive lineman Alim McNeill are both out for the rest of the season due to knee injuries, while cornerback Carlton Davis is sidelined for six weeks after suffering a jaw injury. These injuries join a growing list of players, including Aidan Hutchinson, Marcus Davenport, Derrick Barnes, Malcolm Rodriguez, and Alex Anzalone, who are all dealing with health issues.
Despite these setbacks, the Lions are still focused on their Super Bowl aspirations, relying on their “next man up” mentality. In a recent interview with Taylor Lautner, Hutchinson provided a ray of hope for fans. The defensive star, who suffered a broken tibia and fibula in Week 6 against the Dallas Cowboys, shared his goal of returning for the Super Bowl.
“I’m on track for my goal of coming back for the Super Bowl,” Hutchinson said. “I keep telling the guys at the facility, you just have to get there, and I promise I’ll be back.”
This news is encouraging for Lions fans. Before his injury, the 24-year-old defensive end was performing at an elite level, with 19 tackles, seven tackles for loss, and 7.5 sacks in just five games. He was even in the conversation for Defensive Player of the Year, boasting a 94.9 overall grade and a 95 pass rush grade from PFF.
Given the Lions’ mounting injury list, the prospect of Hutchinson returning, even in a limited role, would bring a much-needed boost of energy to the team’s defense as they push toward the playoffs.
