Detroit Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson successfully underwent surgery on Sunday after suffering a broken fibula and tibia during the team’s victory against the Dallas Cowboys, as confirmed by the organization on Monday.
Hutchinson is set to return to Detroit this week to begin his recovery. Lions coach Dan Campbell provided an estimated recovery timeline of four to six months for Hutchinson.
“I’d never count Hutch out,” Campbell expressed.
The injury occurred in the third quarter when Hutchinson was carted off the field after a play in which he sacked Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott, colliding awkwardly with teammate Alim McNeill. His leg was stabilized with an air cast following the incident.
“Obviously, he’s going to be down for a little while,” Campbell acknowledged on Sunday. “That’s tough, man. It’s hard when we lose somebody like him. We’ll know a lot more after this and obviously wish him the best.”
At the time of his injury in Week 6, Hutchinson was leading the NFL with 6.5 sacks, 14 quarterback hits, and 40 pressures. He had added another sack and a tackle for loss prior to his injury, making him one of the league’s top young edge rushers and the leader in pass pressure percentage according to TruMedia.
The Lions drafted Hutchinson with the second overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, and since then, his 27.5 sacks are the highest among all Detroit players.
Hutchinson’s injury overshadowed an otherwise triumphant day for the team. He made the crucial play against Prescott but remained on the field after the play ended. Teammates hurried to check on him as athletic trainers tended to the situation, leading to the entire Lions sideline gathering to support him during his departure from the field.
Hutchinson was having an outstanding season and was a strong contender for the defensive player of the year award, serving as a vital component of the Lions’ defense. His absence, alongside that of players Marcus Davenport and Derrick Barnes, could significantly impact the team’s performance as they pursue their Super Bowl aspirations and aim for success during one of their best overall performances under coach Dan Campbell.