Lions' Aidan Hutchinson Fully Cleared to Return After Season-Ending Leg Injury in 2024

Aidan Hutchinson will be available for all of the Detroit Lions' offseason activities leading up to training camp.

The 24-year-old told reporters on Thursday he has been fully cleared to return from the fractured fibula and tibia that ended his 2024 season after just six games.

The injury occurred in the third quarter of Detroit's 47-9 win over the Dallas Cowboys on Oct. 13. There was a plan in place for him to return for the Super Bowl if the Lions had made it that far.

Hutchinson's injury was the start of a wave of ailments that plagued the Lions defense over the course of the season. They finished the year with 16 players on injured reserve, with 13 coming from the defensive side of the ball.

Losing that many key contributors on their defense played a huge role in the Lions' 45-31 loss to the Washington Commanders in the NFC Divisional Round.

Despite the bitter end to the 2024 season, Hutchinson continued to provide positive updates on his progress. He said in April that he was feeling "good" and was nearing the end of his rehab process.

Thursday's announcement from Hutchinson could have multiple implications for the Lions. In addition to knowing their best defensive player is ready to play right now, he's eligible for a contract extension for the first time this offseason.

Lions president Rod Wood told Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press last month he had "no comment" about negotiations with Hutchinson's camp, but assured the Pro Bowler "will be here for the long haul" regardless of when a deal gets done.

Hutchinson was having a season worthy of being named Defensive Player of the Year prior to his injury. The Michigan alum had 17 quarterback hits, 7.5 sacks and seven tackles for loss in five games.

The announcement from Hutchinson comes six days before the Lions are scheduled to open OTAs on May 28.