Posted on Oct 20
Aidan Hutchinson's potential Super Bowl return not to be underestimated, says Lions coach
u/alex •
Lions' Aidan Hutchinson has a realistic chance of returning for the Super Bowl if the team advances that far.
Why it matters: Hutchinson's potential return would be a significant boost to the Lions' defense in their quest for a Super Bowl title.
Coach Dan Campbell on Hutchinson's potential return: "I would never count Hutch out, ever. So, probably a long road, but I would never count him out, and I would say if anybody can make it back, it'd be him."
Yes, but: Hutchinson's recovery from a fractured left tibia and fibula will likely be a challenging journey, considering the severity of his injury.
Hutchinson's history: The defensive end previously suffered a similar injury in 2020 when he fractured his right ankle while playing for Michigan, causing him to miss most of the season.
The Lions' perspective: Despite placing Hutchinson on injured reserve, the team remains hopeful of his potential return for a Super Bowl appearance.
Exploring options: The Lions are also exploring the possibility of acquiring defensive ends from other teams to bolster their roster.
Financial constraints: However, they are limited by their financial resources and the need for cooperation from trading partners.
Za'Darius Smith as a potential target: One player of interest to the Lions is Cleveland Browns defensive end Za'Darius Smith, who has one year remaining on his contract after this season.
Alim McNeill's tribute: Lions defensive tackle Alim McNeill recently signed a four-year extension worth $97 million, which he views as a tribute to Hutchinson, who wears No. 97.
The bottom line: Hutchinson's potential return would not only provide a boost to the Lions' defense but also serve as an inspiration and motivation for the team's Super Bowl aspirations.