The Detroit Lions will have a host of contributors returning to the lineup for 2025 after dealing with waves of injuries last year.

The Lions had to deal with nearly two dozen injuries that landed players on injured reserve or kept them out of the lineup for extended periods. Despite having to dip into the reserves, especially on defense, the Lions managed to maintain a high level and finish with the best record in the NFC at 15-2.

However, the defense got exposed by Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels in Detroit’s divisional-round loss to abruptly end the season in their first playoff game. The Lions only forced one punt and a turnover on downs in the playoff loss, and the offense could not keep up due to five turnovers in the 45-31 loss.

Lots of those injured players will be available for Detroit entering 2025 or are scheduled to return sometime during the season. Those returning additions, such as getting Aidan Hutchinson back on the defensive line, should lift the overall talent on the Lions roster compared to what it was during the playoffs.

THE BIGGEST INJURY OF ALL:Detroit Lions have ‘full confidence’ Aidan Hutchinson will return to dominant form in 2025

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Here is a look at the Lions players on injured reserve at the end of the season who will still be under contract in 2025. Most players who ended the season on IR, like cornerback Carlton Davis III and defensive end Marcus Davenport, are set to become free agents.

Returning Lions players who were hurt in 2024

• DE Aidan Hutchinson (broken leg).
• DT Alim McNeill (knee, ACL).
• DT Mekhi Wingo (knee).
• DE Nate Lynn (shoulder).
• LB Malcolm Rodriguez (knee, ACL).
• CB Ennis Rakestraw Jr. (hamstring).
• OL Conner Galvin (knee) (exclusive rights free agent).