Aidan Hutchinson’s horrific leg injury in Week 6 of the 2024 season ended his campaign early. Videos have recently surfaced of his road to recovery, but one injury analyst has voiced his concerns.
Detroit Lions star Aidan Hutchinson suffered a gruesome lower leg injury in 2024. While he was hoping he could work his way back in time for the Super Bowl, that was an almost impossible task.
His commitment to the Detroit Lions is admirable, and while he’s expected to be back on the field in time for Week 1 in 2025, there are doubts about the recovery process.
Growing concerns over Aidan Hutchinson’s recovery
Aidan Hutchinson has been one of the most dominant defensive ends in the NFL since he was drafted. The number two overall pick in the 2022 NFL draft had back-to-back 11-sack seasons in his first two years as a pro, and he had an incredible five in a single game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in early 2025.
The 2025 season was shaping up to be his best yet, but in Week 6 against the Dallas Cowboys, it all came crashing down.
Hutchinson broke the tibia and fibula in his left leg and was promptly carted off the field. His season was over, and the beginning of the 2025 season could be called into question, too.
There’s no denying his work ethic, but a lower leg fracture of that magnitude has significant repercussions and has been known to end NFL careers.
Jeff Mueller, who is a respected source for NFL injuries on X, has some concerns about the Lions defensive ends’ recovery:
“6+ months out from injury and surgery for Aidan Hutchinson. Makes me wonder if he had nerve damage along with the Tib/Fib fracture. Has a long way to go based on his current movement patterns.”
Mueller went on to add that the injury can really affect a player’s dynamic ability, after a commenter pointed out that the same injury ruined the career of Minnesota Vikings safety Lewis Cine.
While Hutchinson looks great running and performing certain drills, there is a possibility that he starts the 2025 season on the PUP list.
Hutchinson’s impending contract negotiations could be a factor
The Lions picked up Aidan Hutchinson’s 5th year option for the 2026 season, but will still need to negotiate a long-term extension to lock him down for the future.
That will typically come in the year before the player becoming a free agent, meaning his extension hinges on the upcoming campaign and his performance. At his peak, Hutchinson would have become likely the highest-paid defensive end in NFL history, but he will want to make sure he performs at that level again this season to avoid casting any doubt about his value.
It’s a crucial year for Aidan Hutchinson, and there’s no denying he’s putting in the work to get back to his physical peak. We’ll now have to wait and see if he’s ready in time for Week 1 in 2025.
