If the Detroit Lions can discover a method to battle via their accidents and attain the Tremendous Bowl on Feb. 9, their star edge-rusher could also be becoming a member of them on the sphere.
According to Fox Sports and NFL Network’s Peter Schrager, DE Aidan Hutchinson advised Taylor Lautner on “The Squeeze” podcast that “I am on observe for my objective of returning for the Tremendous Bowl.”
The actual fact there’s even a chance of Hutchinson returning this season is outstanding, given the severity of his damage.
Within the Lions’ Week 6 win over the Dallas Cowboys, Hutchinson was sacking QB Dak Prescott when his leg appeared to snap above the ankle as he collided with teammate Alim McNeill. Hutchinson suffered a fractured tibia and fibula and underwent surgical procedure in October.
Earlier than the damage, Hutchinson had established himself as an early season contender for Defensive Participant of the 12 months with 12 solo tackles, 7.5 sacks and one forced fumble.
Whereas Hutchinson’s damage might have been a setback for Detroit, the Lions have gone 8-1 with out him, with the group’s solely loss approaching Sunday towards the Buffalo Payments, 48-42. Nevertheless, the Lions have given up 30 or extra factors within the final two weeks and solely recorded one sack complete, which is an space Hutchinson has excelled at in his younger profession.
Accidents, although, proceed to take a toll on the 12-2 group. Earlier than Sunday’s loss, the Lions already had 13 defensive gamers on the injured reserve record. With CB Khalil Dorsey (ankle), RB David Montgomery (MCL) and McNeill (torn ACL) dominated out for the season, in addition to beginning CB Carlton Davis III struggling a fractured jaw within the loss, the accidents preserve piling up for Detroit.
Though the mounting accidents on the Lions roster are regarding, they’re nonetheless seventh within the NFL in opponent factors per sport (20.1), per TeamRankings.
If the Lions can discover a method to get to New Orleans for Tremendous Bowl LIX in February, count on Hutchinson to do all the things in his energy to be on the sphere.