Aidan Hutchinson
‘s recovery process has begun. The Lions announced on Monday he underwent successful surgery to repair the broken tibia and fibula he suffered
in Week 6. 
A rod was inserted into Hutchinson’s leg, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter , who adds this injury generally involves a six-to-eight month recovery timeline. No firm timetable was given in the Lions’ announcement, but it would come as a surprise if he were to play again in 2024. Before the news of the operation, Richard Silva and Nolan Bianchi of the Detroit News reported Hutchinson avoided the worst-case scenario and that a return in time for the Super Bowl could be in play.
For now, attention will turn to the former second overall pick’s rehab process and how the Lions will attempt to replace him. Hutchinson earned a Pro Bowl nod last season after he racked up 11.5 sacks; he was well on his way to surpassing that total in 2024 with 7.5 before he went down. That made him an early candidate for the Defensive Player of the Year award but at a minimum cemented his status as an anchor on Detroit’s defensive line. With the team already dealing with other injuries along the edge (including Marcus Davenport being out for the year ), it will be a challenge to remain impactful in the pass-rush department.
Detroit has John Cominsky and Nate Lynn on IR, with James Houston not carving out a regular role so far. Josh Paschal and Isaac Ukwu (provided he is promoted from the practice squad) are among the players who could be in line for an increased snap share at the defensive end spots. Alim McNeill – who posted five sacks last season and is halfway to matching that total in 2024 – will be counted on to deliver against the pass along the interior as the Lions look to remain among the NFC’s elite moving forward.
Hutchinson will be eligible for an extension this offseason, and he had been playing his way into a monster accord with his production before the injury. It will be interesting to see how he and the Lions proceed on the contract front after the campaign as a 2025 return remains the target.