Aidan Hutchinson injury update: More progress in recovery from broken leg

It feels like a lot longer ago than seven weeks ago, but that's all it has been since Detroit Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson suffered a fractured fibula and tibia in his left leg against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 6.

Early reports suggested Hutchinson has a chance to be back for the Super Bowl if the Lions get there, on the early end of 4-to-6 month recovery timetable. After the Lions win over the Minnesota Vikings in Week 7, Hutchinson personally posted an early update on his situation.

"What’s up y’all? We are one week out from surgery,” Hutchinson said on Oct. 20. “The first days were a little rough, but now we are on the road to recovery and just attacking each day. And I want to thank all the kids, who made me the videos. I want to thank all my teammates, all the fans, all the support all over social media. It’s been amazing. And I’m doing great, just pushing through."

Aidan Hutchinson injury update: More progress in rehab from broken leg

A couple weeks ago, Hutchinson posted a short video on social media of him doing water exercises as he makes progress in his rehab.

Hutchinson has been seen at Ford Field for a couple games since he was injured, as he remains connected to the team.

On Thanksgiving Day, he was on-site again.

CBS sideline reporter Tracy Wolfson had a bit of notable news about Hutchinson. He arrived to the game without crutches for the first time.

Going even further, Hutchinson was seen walking without crutches at the game on Thanksgiving. He was walking slowly and with a noticeable hitch in his gait, as expected, but there are no crutches to be seen and he had no assistance in the brief clip that is out there.

If Hutchinson is going to make a fast recovery, the circumstances aligned for that to happen, as noted by Ian Rapoport of NFL Network and Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer after the injury.

"The other piece of good news was serendipitous. Because the game played at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, Baylor University Medical Center, a Level 1 trauma center, was nearby. And Baylor just happens to feature Dr. Alan Jones, who is the medical director of orthopedic trauma services there. Jones is also one of the nation's experts in tibia and fibula repairs.""Upon arrival, Hutchinson found Jones present and waiting for him, accelerating the process and leading to a seamless and successful surgery. That could also lead to a quicker recovery."
-Ian Rapoport, Oct. 19, 2024

There's a prevailing chance Hutchinson is able to suit up for the Super Bowl in New Orleans if the Lions get there, and with every update we see the odds seem to be getting better.