loopThe Detroit Lions’ defense has been hit hard by injuries recently, with linebacker Malcolm “Rodrigo” Rodriguez suffering a torn ACL against Chicago on Thanksgiving Day, among other setbacks.

One of the biggest blows came when defensive end Aidan Hutchinson, Detroit’s top defensive player and former Michigan star, broke his leg earlier this season.

Since then, Hutchinson has been focused on recovery, putting in significant work to return to the field.

On Thursday, reporter Tracy Wolfson provided an update on Hutchinson’s progress, which went somewhat unnoticed due to the buzz surrounding the Chicago Bears’ failed late-game drive.

Wolfson revealed that Hutchinson achieved an important milestone in his rehabilitation—he arrived at the game without crutches for the first time.

This development has raised optimism about Hutchinson’s potential to make a return if the Lions make it to Super Bowl LIX. Wolfson shared the good neaccount, highlighting Hutchinson’s steady recovery.

Despite missing several games due to his injury, Hutchinson has still managed to tally 7.5 sacks this season, placing him 14th in the NFL.

This is impressive considering he’s played less than half of the games compared to sack leader Trey Hendrickson of the Cincinnati Bengals.

New Lions acquisition Za’Darius Smith has also been productive, recording 7 sacks so far this season, just half a sack behind Hutchinson.

With Hutchinson making significant strides in his recovery, there’s hope he could make an impact on the field again, should the Lions advance to the Super Bowl.