Aidan Hutchinson continues to make progress in his recovery from the broken leg he suffered in Week 6 against the Dallas Cowboys, with an encouraging development this past Monday. While reports initially suggested he might be able to return for the Super Bowl if the Detroit Lions made it that far, those hopes were dashed after the team’s early exit in the playoffs. Despite this, Hutchinson’s rehab seems to be going smoothly, and there’s little concern about him returning to full strength soon.
During an appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show” in Super Bowl week, Hutchinson indicated that he was nearing the end of his recovery from the broken fibula and tibia. While he played it coy when asked about possibly being able to play had the Lions made the Super Bowl, it’s clear that at just under four months removed from the injury, he wasn’t fully recovered. Although he might not have been in shape to play a full game, there was speculation he could have contributed in a limited role, or at the very least, served as an emotional figure for his team.
Over the course of his rehab, Hutchinson has kept his social media posts positive, showing no signs of difficulty or struggle. However, in a candid moment with McAfee, he admitted that the process hasn’t been easy and expressed relief that the toughest part was nearing its end. Hutchinson has been working diligently with the Lions’ medical staff, and earlier this week, a video surfaced showing him running on the indoor practice field. Although his running form was unrefined and awkward, the fact that he was able to do so just four months after his injury is a promising sign, even if it wasn’t a picture-perfect display of athleticism.
Some fans have expressed concern about Hutchinson’s recovery after seeing the video, but it’s important to keep in mind that running at this point in his recovery is a noteworthy milestone. There’s still plenty of time for him to regain full strength and continue progressing toward next season.
