Why isn’t Aidan Hutchinson playing for the Lions against the Bears on Thanksgiving Day in Week 13?

Aidan Hutchinson, the Detroit Lions' standout defensive end, won’t be taking the field against the Chicago Bears this Thanksgiving. In Week 6, during a commanding 47-9 victory over the Dallas Cowboys – here’s how that went down – Hutchinson suffered a severe leg injury. While sacking Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott, his left leg collided awkwardly with a teammate’s, resulting in fractures to both his tibia and fibula. The injury was so distressing that Fox Sports chose not to air replays.

Following the incident, Hutchinson underwent immediate surgery at Baylor White Medical Center in Irving, Texas. Lions head coach Dan Campbell later confirmed the severity of the injury, noting that Hutchinson would remain in Dallas for treatment and would be sidelined for an extended period. Before the injury, Hutchinson was leading the league with 7.5 sacks and was a strong contender for Defensive Player of the Year.

Who replaces Hutchinson for Lions?

The Lions have since placed Hutchinson on injured reserve. While his exact return date remains uncertain, the team is hopeful for a full recovery. In the meantime, Detroit has bolstered its defense by acquiring pass rusher Za’Darius Smith from the Cleveland Browns.

As the Lions face the Bears this Thanksgiving, they’ll have to adjust without one of their defensive anchors, who will be out for several weeks yet.

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