Detroit Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson has been ruled out for the remainder of the 2024 NFL season after sustaining a severe leg injury during the team’s Thanksgiving Day game against the Chicago Bears. Hutchinson fractured both his tibia and fibula, an injury described as gruesome and requiring immediate surgical intervention. The procedure involved stabilizing his leg with a rod, a common practice for injuries of this severity.
Before the injury, Hutchinson was having an outstanding season, leading the NFL with 7.5 sacks and contributing significantly to the Lions’ defensive success. The incident occurred during a play where Hutchinson was attempting a tackle and ended up in visible distress on the field, eventually being carted off. Recovery is expected to take six to eight months, meaning his return will likely align with the 2025 offseason.
The Lions will now face the challenge of continuing their playoff push without one of their defensive stars. Hutchinson’s absence marks a significant blow to the team, but his long-term prognosis remains positive, with a full recovery anticipated.
Aidan Hutchinson, the Detroit Lions’ standout defensive end, won’t be taking the field against the Chicago Bears this Thanksgiving. In Week 6, during a commanding 47-9 victory over the Dallas Cowboys – here’s how that went down – Hutchinson suffered a severe leg injury. While sacking Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott, his left leg collided awkwardly with a teammate’s, resulting in fractures to both his tibia and fibula. The injury was so distressing that Fox Sports chose not to air replays.
Following the incident, Hutchinson underwent immediate surgery at Baylor White Medical Center in Irving, Texas. Lions head coach Dan Campbell later confirmed the severity of the injury, noting that Hutchinson would remain in Dallas for treatment and would be sidelined for an extended period. Before the injury, Hutchinson was leading the league with 7.5 sacks and was a strong contender for Defensive Player of the Year.
Who replaces Hutchinson for Lions?
The Lions have since placed Hutchinson on injured reserve. While his exact return date remains uncertain, the team is hopeful for a full recovery. In the meantime, Detroit has bolstered its defense by acquiring pass rusher Za’Darius Smith from the Cleveland Browns.
