The red-hot Detroit Lions officially clinched a playoff berth thanks to their thrilling victory over the rival Green Bay Packers last night.
Viewed as the Super Bowl favorites in the eyes of many, the Lions could be getting an enormous boost if they were to indeed make it to Super Sunday.
According to NFL insider Albert Breer, it’s looking like captain Aidan Hutchinson is on pace to return in time for the Super Bowl, assuming the Lions make it.
Hutchinson, who suffered a broken tibia and fibula in early October, has made remarkable progress in his recovery.
“One other guy the defense could be getting back is Aidan Hutchinson,β Breer reported. βHeβs already started running in a pool and walking without crutches. Heβs been in the Lionsβ building every day.
βThe expectation is, if they make it to the Super Bowl, Hutchinson will be in uniform.”
Before his injury, Hutchinson was a dominant force on defense and a leading candidate for Defensive Player of the Year.
Over just five games, he racked up 7.5 sacks, seven tackles for loss, 17 quarterback hits, and a forced fumble, solidifying his reputation as one of the NFL’s elite defensive players.
His absence has been a significant blow to Detroit, though the team has managed to maintain one of the league’s best defenses despite battling numerous injuries.
The Lions, considered the frontrunners in the NFC, are expected to make a deep playoff run.
Should they reach the Super Bowl, Hutchinsonβs presence, even in a limited capacity, could be a game-changer.
Hell, just Hutch being on the sidelines in uniform is enough to give the team a monumental adrenaline boost.
In the days following the heartbreaking injury, there were rumors circulating that Hutchinson was planning to beat the time-tables and return to the team for the Super Bowl.
Now, it’s looking more and more like that will actually happen, assuming the Lions take care of business and get there.
In many ways, Hutchinson (along with MCDC) is the heart and soul of the team. What a scene it would be to see him run out of the tunnel on Super Sunday…
What are your thoughts on the report? … Will we see Hutch and the Lions hoist the Lombardi Trophy come February???
