DETROIT – The Detroit Lions are hoping their banged-up defense can get healthy in time for the National Football League playoffs. Star Aidan Hutchinson has been out with a broken leg since October.
A new report from an NFL insider said he could return as early as the NFC championship game if the Lions were to make it there.
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Local 4 talked with the chief of sports medicine at the Detroit Medical Center on Monday (Dec. 9). He’s treated several athletes with the same injury as Hutchinson.
The doctor said Hutchinson could be ready to play in late January.
“Athletes like Adrian Hutchinson who do have surgery for this injury have over a 91% chance of returning to the NFL. A systematic review showed that anywhere between three to 24 months, most of these players return. The reason that’s a big deal today is three months from his injury is the second round of the playoffs. While four months from his injury is the Super Bowl."
Chief of DMC Sports Medicine Dr. Christopher Cooke
The Lions will hope to get back a few other players on defense as they take on the Buffalo Bills this Sunday at Ford Field.
--> Detroit Lions Star DE Aidan Hutchinson releases statement following season-ending leg injury
