Why isn’t Aidan Hutchinson playing for the Lions against the Packers in Week 14?

The Detroit Lions' 11-1 record is even more impressive when you think about the amount of key defensive players they’ve lost to injuries this season. Perhaps none has been greater a loss than that of defensive end Aidan Hutchinson.

Aidan Hutchinson’s injury

Hutchinson has been out for the season after suffering a gruesome leg injury against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 6. Before the injury, he’d racked up 7.5 sacks in just five games.

The leg injury turned out to be a broken tibia and fibula and Hutchinson underwent successful surgery to repair it that same night, October 13. He was expected to miss the remainder of the season, but head coach Dan Campbell said he would never rule him out.

“Let me say this: Look, it’s four to six months. I would never count Hutch out. Ever,” Campbell said at the time. “So, probably a long road, but I would never count him out. I would say if anybody can make it back, it’d be him.”

As we enter Week 14, Hutchinson remains out for the Lions' Thursday Night Football game against the Green Bay Packers and is still looking to be out for the remainder of the season. He should be ready to go at the start of the Lions' 2025 season.

The game between the Lions and Packers kicks off at 8:20 p.m. ET tonight at Ford Field. You can follow along with our live text coverage brought to you by Dane Arlauckas right here on AS USA.

Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.