DETROIT – An analyst released a very optimistic update on Aidan Hutchinson’s injury timeline on Monday.
Hutchinson has been out since the Detroit Lions' win over the Dallas Cowboys on Oct. 13, 2024. He fractured his tibia and fibula while sacking quarterback Dak Prescott.
At the time of his injury, Hutchinson led the NFL with 7.5 sacks in just five games. His loss is the greatest in a rash of injuries that have haunted the Lions' defense this season.
But on Monday, Jay Glazer, of FOX Sports, reported that the Lions are “holding out hope” that Hutchinson could return for a potential NFC Championship Game.
That game is scheduled for Jan. 26, which is about seven weeks away.
It’s the most optimistic injury timeline we’ve heard for Hutchinson, who has recently posted videos on social media showing him walking on the injured leg.
The Lions have won eight games in a row since Hutchinson’s injury, but there’s no doubt they could use his pass rushing prowess in the postseason.
Detroit currently holds the No. 1 seed in the NFC, but the Eagles and Vikings are only one game behind.
If the Lions can hang onto the No. 1 seed, they would get a first-round bye in the playoffs and then host the divisional round and (if they win) the conference championship game.
