A broken leg in Week 6 against the Dallas Cowboys derailed what was on track to be a Defensive Player of the Year campaign for Detroit Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson (7.5 sacks in technically less than five games). As he nears the end of his rehab from a broken left fibula and tibia, the oddsmakers have him as the early favorite for 2025 Defensive Player of the Year as well as Comeback Player of the Year.

As Kelvin Sheppard takes over as the defensive coordinator and the addition of a notable veteran edge rusher naturally trends toward unlikely, Hutchinson’s return to form will be critically important for the Lions’ defense next season.

General manager Brad Holmes told reporters on Tuesday in Indianapolis at the NFL Combine that things are in the “planning stages” regarding a contract extension for Hutchinson.

Kelvin Sheppard has confidence Aidan Hutchinson will quickly return to form

On Tuesday from the NFL Combine in Indianapolis, as he also spoke to reporters, Sheppard said he will tailor the Lions’ pass rush plans to the personnel he has at his disposal and he trusts that Holmes will give him “more than capable guys to work with,” starting with Hutchinson.

Sheppard had more to say regarding Hutchinson specifically.

“That guy was having a phenomenal year,” Sheppard said, via Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press. “That guy’s willing to drop into coverage if it deems they’re turning three people in protection to him. He’ll drop out without hesitation and understand the coverage aspect of it, want to pour into that. So I have full faith in Hutch.”

The Lions tend to slow play players’ return from major injuries, but Hutchinson is well on track to be ready for the start of the offseason program this spring and his status for Week 1 next season is not at all a question.

Not that he’d say otherwise, but Sheppard reinforced his confidence in Hutchinson when it comes to a return to health and the dominant form he showed before being injured last season.

“I have full confidence [Hutchinson is] going to be back to health,” Sheppard said.