Among the reasons that theDetroit Lionsfell short of their goal to bring home a Super Bowl title in the 2024 NFL season was the glut of injuries they had to deal with, especially on their stop unit.
Defensive end Aidan Hutchinson was a big loss for the Lions last season, as he was ruled out for the rest of the campaign after suffering a painful fibula injury in Week 6.
Despite the injuries to Hutchison and others, the Lions managed to win 15 games and finish first in the NFC North division. However, Detroit couldn’t overcome its banged-up roster in the playoffs, where they lost to the Washington Commanders, 45-31, in the divisional round.
Detroit Lions’ Hutchinson progressing well
Detroit Lions, Aidan Hutchinson
Detroit Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson (97) takes the field to watch warm up before the NFC divisional round between Detroit Lions and Washington Commanders at Ford Field in Detroit on Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025.
New Lions defensive line coach Kacy Rodgers provided a recent update on Hutchison’s form on the field, and it’s one that should hype up Detroit fans.
“I said, ‘Hutch, you know how I know you’re back?’ ” Rodgers explained when speaking of the signs Hutchinson has overcome his leg injury, via the Detroit News. “He said, ‘How?’ I said, ‘Because you’re touching the ground when you run that hoop,’ and that’s like this little thing that he does, like he’s some supernatural cat — which he is. But I’m like, ‘That’s how I know you’re back, big dog.’ “
Selected second overall in the 2022 NFL draft, Hutchison had 7.5 sacks and a forced fumble despite playing in only five games for the Lions, who ranked 11th in the league with an average of 21.5 points allowed per outing.
Detroit Lions, Aidan Hutchinson
Jan 18, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Lions defensive lineman Aidan Hutchinson (97) looks on from the bench during the fourth quarter against the Washington Commanders in a 2025 NFC divisional round game at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images
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