Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell provided an update on Aidan Hutchinson’s injury following the team’s impressive 47-9 victory over the Dallas Cowboys. Hutchinson suffered a broken tibia and fibula, which required surgery in Dallas. While he will be sidelined for 4–6 months, Campbell expressed optimism about Hutchinson’s potential to return sooner, emphasizing the importance of maintaining hope during long recoveries.
“Surgery went great,” Campbell said.
Hutchinson is expected to be back in Detroit this week and Campbell said it will be a 4–6 month recovery time, but he also wouldn’t put it past Hutchinson to be back before that expected timeframe. Campbell said it’s important for players dealing with long-term recoveries to have that little nugget of hope.
“It hurts to lose somebody like him, not only the player but the person,” Campbell said. “I would never count Hutch out (returning before 4-6 months), ever. Long road, but I’ll never count him out and I would say if anybody can make it back it would be him.”
Campbell acknowledged the impact of losing Hutchinson, both as a player and a person. He expressed confidence in defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn’s ability to adjust the team’s strategy to compensate for Hutchinson’s absence. Although the Lions will need to adapt defensively, Campbell trusts Glenn to devise an effective game plan moving forward.
With Hutchinson out, defensive tackle Alim McNeill is expected to take on a larger role. McNeill had a standout performance against Dallas, contributing two sacks and seven pressures. Campbell highlighted McNeill’s determination and indicated that consistent performances like his will be crucial for the team’s success in the coming weeks.
General manager Brad Holmes is also evaluating potential roster improvements, but Campbell indicated there’s no rush to bring in outside help just yet. The coaching staff believes in the current players to step up and fill the void left by Hutchinson. They will remain vigilant in monitoring available talent while prioritizing the development of their existing roster.
The Lions’ recent victory showcased their strengths across all phases of the game, with a focus on defensive efficiency and offensive explosiveness. Campbell praised the team’s discipline, noting they limited Dallas to just 3.9 yards per play while generating five takeaways. Offensively, the Lions rushed for 184 yards, and quarterback Jared Goff delivered a standout performance, contributing to a complete team effort.
