Lions’ Aidan Hutchinson Shocks Fans with Explosive Rehab Update

Nearly Back to Full Strength

In the interview, Hutchinson reflected on the difficult months following the injury. He acknowledged that the initial phase of rehab was particularly challenging but expressed gratitude for being near the finish line.

“The early days were rough,” Hutchinson admitted. “But once you get past that, you gain a new respect for just being pain-free and able to move again. I’m thankful to be past that stage now.”

He noted that the video of him sprinting received an overwhelmingly positive reaction, something he hadn’t expected. Messages of support poured in from fans and fellow athletes alike.

Now, the 2022 first-round draft pick says he’s just one step away from wrapping up his recovery.

“I’m just about there,” Hutchinson said. “I’ve got one final round of evaluations when I get back—heading home tomorrow to complete those. Once that’s done, rehab is over. It’s been a long ride.”

Detroit had previously hinted that Hutchinson was progressing well and might have returned if the team had made it to the Super Bowl. However, their playoff journey ended early with a divisional-round loss to the Washington Commanders, despite entering the postseason as the NFC’s top seed.

Detroit Aims to Bolster Defensive Line

After Hutchinson’s injury, the Lions struggled to consistently pressure quarterbacks. They added veteran pass rusher Za’Darius Smith before the trade deadline in an attempt to strengthen their front seven, but defensive inconsistencies persisted. Hutchinson, before his injury, had already posted 7.5 sacks, 19 tackles, 17 quarterback hits, seven tackles for loss, and a forced fumble in just five games.

Looking ahead, Detroit is expected to address this area in the upcoming NFL Draft. There’s speculation that the Lions may use their first-round pick to secure another dynamic edge rusher to pair with Hutchinson. USA Today’s Russell Brown even suggested the team could trade up—potentially to pick No. 15—in order to land one of the draft’s premier defensive ends, such as Mykel Williams from Georgia or Shemar Stewart from Texas A&M.

Brown wrote, “If Detroit moves up, it’ll likely be for a defensive lineman. Both Williams and Stewart could immediately boost the Lions’ front. Given they probably won’t be available by pick 28, trading up might be necessary to land the right fit.”

Let me know if you’d like this reworded in a different tone (e.g., more formal, more casual, journalistic, etc.).