Lions HC: Aidan Hutchinson Has 4-6 Month Injury Timeline, but 'Never Count Him Out'

Aidan Hutchinson's 2024 season is over after suffering a broken tibia and fibula in Sunday's 47-9 win over the Dallas Cowboys, but head coach Dan Campbell isn't doubting his ability to eventually return as good as ever.

"Let me say this: Look, it's four to six months [for recovery]. I would never count Hutch out. Ever," he told reporters Monday. "So, probably a long road, but I would never count him out. I would say if anybody can make it back, it'd be him."

Officially, the Lions said there was "no timetable" for Hutchinson's return after undergoing surgery on Sunday, though Campbell's comments left open the possibility that the star defensive end could perhaps return if Detroit makes a deep playoff run, though that is probably the longest of long shots.

It's a huge loss for Detroit. The 24-year-old edge-rusher was putting together a potential Defensive Player of Year season, registering an NFL-leading 7.5 sacks, 19 tackles (seven for loss), 17 quarterback hits and a forced fumble through parts of five games.

There is no replacing the 2023 Pro Bowler for the Lions, who now has 28.5 sacks through 39 career games, though the team could perhaps seek alternatives ahead of the NFL trade deadline on Tuesday, Nov. 5 .

"Obviously, it's tough, man," Lions defensive tackle DJ Reader told reporters regarding Hutchinson. "That's our guy. He's our guy through and through. So, it's tough. It sucks."

"When you see a man like that coming in each and every day, willing and wanting to be great, and we all know injuries come with this game, but still, like, all that hard work is just—that's why I'm sad the most," right tackle Penei Sewell added. "Just because I know what kind of player he is and I know how much work he puts in and what sacrifices he makes."

In Hutchinson's absence—and with Marcus Davenport already likely out for the season with a torn triceps—the Lions will turn to Levi Onwuzurike, Levi, Isaac Ukwu and Josh Paschal on the edge. That trio has combined for 1.5 sacks this season, all from Onwuzurike.

Hutchinson, by himself, had contributed more sacks this season than all of his teammates combined. That leaves the Lions with major questions marks regarding the pass rush.