Aidan Hutchinson sets return date from injury as Lions charge toward championship glory

Detroit Lions defensive star Aidan Hutchinson has been out for several weeks with an injury that was initially thought to be a season-ending one. However, he hasn't ruled out a potential comeback this season.

Lions fan Taylor Lautner shared a clip of Hutchinson's appearance on "The Squeeze" podcast on Tuesday's edition of "Good Morning Football" to give Lions fans hope that a potential return in the 2024-25 NFL playoffs could be on the cards.

"I'm on track for my goal of returning to the Super Bowl. And so, I keep telling all the boys when I see them in the facility, I'm like, 'You guys just gotta get there, and I promise you I'm gonna be back, you know? And I tell people that. My mom, I remember we were talking yesterday, she's like, 'But Aidan, what if you don't get back? What if you can't? I was like, 'There's no other way.'"

The Detroit Lions just lost the second game of their 2024 season on Sunday in a 45-42 shootout against the Buffalo Bills at home.

Josh Allen and Co. were too strong for the Lions. Added to a couple of questionable calls from Dan Campbell, the NFC North leaders were unable to get back at the AFC East franchise. If they avoid the same mistakes, Detroit will have a big chance to make a deep playoff run.

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What happened to Aidan Hutchinson?

Aidan Hutchinson suffered a leg injury in Week 6 against the Dallas Cowboys. He was initially given a four-to-six-month timetable recovery after fracturing their tibia and fibula, but Hutchinson's words should have fans pumped up about an early return.

A Dec. 8 report from NFL insider Jay Glazer suggested that the edge rusher may return sooner than expected, even before a potential Super Bowl matchup.

"They are actually holding out hope, just because of how hard he works, that he could possibly be back not (for) the Super Bowl, but the NFC Championship Game, depending on how that bone feels, and Dan Campbell says also, how much practice he can get."

Before sustaining this injury, Aidan Hutchinson led the NFL with 7.5 sacks, racking up 19 total tackles, six tackles for loss and a forced fumble. Having him back for the big game would be huge for the Lions.