Among the reasons that the Detroit Lions fell short of their goal to bring home a Super Bowl title in the 2024 NFL season was the glut of injuries they had to deal with, especially on their stop unit.
Defensive end Aidan Hutchinson was a big loss for the Lions last season, as he was ruled out for the rest of the campaign after suffering a painful fibula injury in Week 6.
Despite the injuries to Hutchison and others, the Lions managed to win 15 games and finish first in the NFC North division. However, Detroit couldn’t overcome its banged-up roster in the playoffs, where they lost to the Washington Commanders, 45-31, in the divisional round.
Detroit Lions’ Hutchinson progressing well

New Lions defensive line coach Kacy Rodgers provided a recent update on Hutchison’s form on the field, and it’s one that should hype up Detroit fans.
“I said, ‘Hutch, you know how I know you’re back?’ ” Rodgers explained when speaking of the signs Hutchinson has overcome his leg injury, via the Detroit News. “He said, ‘How?’ I said, ‘Because you’re touching the ground when you run that hoop,’ and that’s like this little thing that he does, like he’s some supernatural cat — which he is. But I’m like, ‘That’s how I know you’re back, big dog.’ “
Selected second overall in the 2022 NFL draft, Hutchison had 7.5 sacks and a forced fumble despite playing in only five games for the Lions, who ranked 11th in the league with an average of 21.5 points allowed per outing.

For More NFL and College Football News & Updates:
Follow me on X (formerly Twitter) at @Rexwell14. Also, do not forget to regularly check out the latest Gridiron Heroics content. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in the world of NFL and college football in terms of transactions, analysis, game previews, free agency, recruitment, transfers, and more, just click here!