The Detroit Lions nearly had star edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson return to the field late last season, but an early playoff departure dashed those hopes.
Currently, the team’s new defensive coordinator is suggesting a larger comeback in 2025. In October, the team’s best defensive player suffered a fractured leg, causing difficulties for the pass rush for the rest of the season, but a remark from Kelvin Sheppard is igniting renewed optimism in Detroit.
Aidan Hutchinson has returned.
Sheppard received a promotion to defensive coordinator following Aaron Glenn’s departure to take a head coaching position with the New York Jets, and seems enthusiastic about the defense he has taken over. Last season, the Lions boasted one of the most aggressive defenses in the league, despite losing Hutchinson and several other important players.
Sheppard provided a positive update on Hutchinson, who has been participating in solo workouts as the team approaches the required phase of its offseason activities. The defensive coordinator informed Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press that he could see from Hutchinson’s training that his leg has fully recovered.
“I approached them personally and said, ‘Hey, do you realize how I know you’re back?’” He’s wondering, ‘How?’” Sheppard stated. “I remarked, ‘It’s because you’re making contact with the ground while running that hoop.’” And that’s this small act he performs as though he’s a mystical feline, which he actually is. But I think, ‘That’s how I can tell you’re back, Big Dog.’ ”
Defensive line coach Kacy Rodgers echoed the evaluation, stating that Hutchinson dedicated significant effort to make his return to the field. “He appears to be in great shape,” Rodgers stated, according to the Detroit Football Network. “I’m here picturing what this guy experienced, what he focused on to return in case they reached the end last year but didn’t.” “Now observing his current situation, it’s clear that this guy is truly a professional trooper.”
Lions head coach Dan Campbell suggested that Hutchinson might have been able to come back for the Super Bowl if the team had progressed that far last season, but the early playoff elimination enabled him to concentrate on rehabilitation to get ready for the 2025 season.
Lions Really Needed Aidan Hutchinson
The Lions faced difficulties in maintaining steady pressure on rival quarterbacks following Hutchinson’s injury in October. Despite Hutchinson playing in just five games prior to his horrific injury during a victory against the Dallas Cowboys, no other player was near his tally of 7.5 sacks. Midseason addition Za’Darius Smith recorded 4.0 sacks, while no other player surpassed 3.5.
Despite the Lions compensating for Hutchinson’s injury and concluding the season tied with the Kansas City Chiefs at a top league record of 15-2, they were defeated in a playoff game against the Washington Commanders. The Lions had difficulty restraining rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, not managing to sack him even once while the Commanders put up 45 points.
The Lions may seek additional support in the next season, as some insiders indicate that Smith might rejoin the team following his departure earlier this year.
