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Detroit Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson told reporters that he's "fully cleared" from a fractured tibia and fibula in his left leg on Thursday (May 22).
"I'm fully cleared," Hutchinson said when asked about the next hurdle in his recovery.
Hutchinson, 24, was carted off the field after sacking Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott in the third quarter of the Lions' October 13 blowout win, which head coach Dan Campbell later confirmed was a broken tibia that resulted in immediate surgery at a Dallas-area hospital. The Michigan native recorded three tackles, including the sack on his final play, prior to exiting Sunday's game.
Hutchinson had 16 tackles and 6.5 sacks through the first five games of the 2024 NFL season, with Campbell telling reporters that he would've been a top candidate for Defensive Player of the Year prior to the season-ending injury. The former University of Michigan standout has been one of the biggest factors in the Lions' turnaround since being selected by the franchise at No. 2 overall in the 2022 NFL Draft.
Hutchinson was selected as a Pro Bowler during his rookie season and recorded a career-best 11.5 sacks and 14 tackles for loss in 2023 as the franchise earned its first division title, NFC Championship Game appearance and playoff victory since 1991.