The Detroit Lions are waiting to see who they will face in the NFC divisional round. As the No.1 seeds, Daniel Campbell’s team have a bye which means they can enjoy an extra week’s rest and watch the Wild Card round from the sidelines.
The Packers (No.7 seed) Commanders (No.6), Vikings (No.5) or the Rams (No.4) are the teams that the Lions could face in the second round.
There is a glimmer of hope that defensive end Aidan Hutchinson could return at some point during the playoffs although that will depend on how far the Lions go.
Having Aidan Hutchinson in your ear can make a difference. #OnePride pic.twitter.com/66EH839JlZ
— Sunday Night Football on NBC (@SNFonNBC) January 6, 2025
What injury did Aidan Hutchinson suffer?
Hutchinson fractured the fibula and tibia bones in his left leg during an unfortunate collision with a team mates in the Lions’ 47-9 win against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 6. He was placed on injured reserve with a recovery time of between four to six months.
In theory, Hutchinson could return in the second week of February and the player is hopeful of being back if the Lions make it to the Super Bowl, which is set for 9 February.
However, he still hasn’t returned to practice which means it’s unlikely that he will be available for the divisional round which get underway on Saturday 18 January.
Campbell was optimistic about seeing his DE before the season is out, telling reporters back in October: “I would never count Hutch out, ever. So yeah, probably long road. But I would never count him out and I would say if anybody can make it back it’s him.”
