Latest news with #AidanHutchinson
Newsweek
a day ago
- Sport
- Newsweek
Lions Coach's Latest Aidan Hutchinson Quote Will Excite Detroit Fans
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Following a 2024 NFL season that saw the Detroit Lions go 15-2, the team quickly lost in their first playoff matchup against the Washington Commanders. It was a disappointing way to end an otherwise amazing year. Dan Campbell and company have had an entire offseason to think about that loss. They will be more than ready to get the 2025 season underway in September. Throughout the 2024 season, the Lions were hit with multiple major injury issues. Most notably, superstar pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson missed a huge chunk of the season after suffering a season-ending broken tibia and fibula against the Dallas Cowboys. Aidan Hutchinson #97 of the Detroit Lions reacts during the first half against the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Wild Card Playoffs at Ford Field on January 14, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. Aidan Hutchinson #97 of the Detroit Lions reacts during the first half against the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Wild Card Playoffs at Ford Field on January 14, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. Photo by ReyLosing Hutchinson was a devastating blow for the Detroit defense. He is one of the most feared pass rushers in the NFL and was having an elite year. Read more: Vikings Linked as Possible Trade Suitor for Packers Star In the five games he played before the injury, the 24-year-old superstar had racked up 19 total tackles, 7.5 sacks, and a forced fumble. New updates have come out about Hutchinson. He seems to be back on his feet and ready to play at a high level once again during the upcoming 2025 season. Kelvin Sheppard, the team's new defensive coordinator who replaced Aaron Glenn, spoke out with a quote about Hutchinson that will excite Lions fans. "There's not a more resilient, mentally tough guy than that type of injury during that type of season that he was on course of having could have happened to," he said. "He's the most energetic guy on the field. I said, 'Hutch, you know how I know you back?' He's like, 'How?' 'Because you're touching that ground when you run that hoop.' That's that little thing he does like he's some supernatural cat, which he is." Read more: Bears Again Connected to Potential Major Late-Free Agency Move Heading into the 2025 NFL season, Detroit is going to need the best version of Hutchinson to accomplish its goal. There is one only one goal for the Lions, which is to win the Super Bowl. Nothing short of that would be considered successful. On the outside looking in, Detroit appears to have the kind of roster needed to make that kind of run. A healthy version of Hutchinson would have made a huge difference last year in the playoffs, and he'll be taking out his frustration for missing the run out on the field this year. Hutchinson seems poised for a big season. Hopefully, he stays healthy and can get back to making the elite impact for the Lions that he has made to this point in his career. For more Detroit Lions and NFL news, head over to Newsweek Sports.
USA Today
3 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Lions players coming off injury to watch in OTAs
Lions players coming off injury to watch in OTAs With the Lions first OTA (organized team activities) starting today, here are players to watch who are coming off injuries. Some of these players have yet to be seen this offseason, so their first appearance may be very informative. The dates of OTA are May 28-30 and June 3-5. After OTA's are over, I'll check back to recap what we learned about these players. Important to note that OTA's are voluntary so an absence doesn't necessarily indicate a health issue. The Lions cancelled their mandatory minicamp which was scheduled for June 10-12. Thus any players that skip OTA's may not be seen until training camp starts in late July. Aidan Hutchinson Left tibia/fibula fracture - October 13, 2024 His last rehab video showed that he still had some weakness in his left leg. What will his participation level be during OTA? Full participation would be fantastic of course, but I suspect he'll still be cautiously limited as he gradually ramps up towards training camp. Any limitation he has during OTA should not be cause for concern as all indications are he is on-track to be ready for the season opener at Lambeau. Alim McNeill Right ACL - December 15, 2024 It sounds like rehab is going smoothly so far, but I wouldn't expect any football activities during OTA as he's still letting that ACL heal and rehabbing his leg. Maybe we'll see him doing some individual work on the side. I expect a return around week 11 which is November 16 vs the Eagles. That 11-month timeline would still give him 8 regular season games plus playoffs. Malcolm Rodriguez Right ACL - November 28, 2024 Like McNeill, Rodriguez probably won't be doing any football activities yet. An 11-month recovery would have him return at the end of October. Marcus Davenport Left triceps rupture - September 22, 2024 I have yet to see any offseason updates on Davenport so this OTA could be the first glimpse of where he's at. There is a good chance that the triceps is ready to go, so hopefully he is a full participant. Derrick Barnes Right knee MCL/PCL - September 22, 2024 Barnes has shown up earlier at offseason workouts, albeit with significant right leg atrophy. He might not do everything at OTA but should be ready for the season. Mekhi Wingo Right knee meniscus - November 28, 2024 We have yet to see Wingo this offseason so OTA may tell us a lot. A suspected meniscus repair carries a multi-month recovery, but there is a good chance he is close to ready or even fully ready now. Tyleik Williams Hamstring strain - March 26, 2025 Williams appeared to strain his hamstring during his pro day and was limited during rookie minicamp. He may be ready to fully participate in OTA's. Khalil Dorsey Right tibia/fibula fracture - December 15, 2024 Dorsey has a similar injury to Hutchinson, but Dorsey's injury occurred two months later. He has a good chance to be ready for the start of the season but is unlikely to be doing anything too strenuous during these OTA's. Amik Robertson Left humerus fracture - January 18, 2025 The humerus is fully healed at this point and I'd expect full participation in OTA. There is no tackling in OTA so there shouldn't be any risk to his arm. Ahmed Hassanein Right ankle - December 31, 2024 The Lions 6th-rounder was playing through a suspected ankle sprain in his final college game. All indications are that he is fully recovered which means he should be a full participant in OTA. Pat O'Connor Calf - January 5, 2025 O'Connor participated in offseason workouts earlier so I expect him to be a full participant in OTA. Ennis Rakestraw Hamstring - November 23, 2024 The hamstring ended his season, but he was close to a return for the playoffs. He was at offseason workouts earlier so should be a full participant in OTA. David Montgomery Right MCL - December 15, 2024 In offseason workout pics, Montgomery looked strong and healthy. I'd expect him to be a full participant in OTA. Graham Glasgow Although Glasgow only missed one game last year with an unspecified knee issue, he was listed with a knee at least one other time during the year. Last year was a down year by his standards and a chronic or recurrent knee issue could have been a factor. It will be interesting to monitor how he is looking this offseason. Christian Mahogany While Mahogany looked very good in limited action last year, he was sporting a right knee brace all season. It's uncertain the reason for the brace but he does have a history of a right ACL tear in 2022. Will he still be wearing the brace in 2025? Brodric Martin Right knee hyperextension - August 24, 2024 The knee injury knocked him out of the first half of last season. He wasn't activated until mid-November and only played 25 defensive snaps all year. Could there have been lingering effects from the knee that sabotaged his season? Hopefully, his knee is fully healed and he looks good during OTA.
New York Times
3 days ago
- Business
- New York Times
How has Michigan football fared in the portal? Ranking the Wolverines' top 10 transfers
ANN ARBOR, Mich. — The transfer portal opened for business in October 2018 and revolutionized the way college football programs build a roster. Michigan was slower than other programs to capitalize on the portal revolution, in part because of the school's strict requirements for transferring credits. Michigan dialed in its portal strategy just in time to sign a wave of players who became key contributors during the Wolverines' three-year run atop the Big Ten. As the strategy evolved under coach Sherrone Moore, Michigan has been a savvy shopper in the portal, adding a mix of high-profile transfers and role players at positions of need. Advertisement For the purposes of this list, we considered only transfers who signed with Michigan during the portal era. (Sorry, Jake Rudock and Shea Patterson.) Here's a totally subjective ranking of Michigan's top 10 portal acquisitions dating back to 2019. Danna, Michigan's first portal acquisition, was an all-conference defensive end at Central Michigan who made good on his lone season in Ann Arbor. Danna played on a loaded defensive line that included a pair of first-round picks in Aidan Hutchinson and Kwity Paye, plus a second-round pick in linebacker Josh Uche. Though he wasn't an every-down player at Michigan, Danna contributed in Michigan's sub packages and had three sacks in 2019. Since leaving Michigan, he's won a pair of Super Bowls and appeared in two others as a fifth-round pick of the Kansas City Chiefs. Haynes hasn't played a snap at Michigan, but he merits inclusion on reputation alone. The Alabama transfer was a five-star prospect in high school and averaged nearly 6 yards per carry in two seasons with the Crimson Tide. Investing heavily in a running back of Haynes' caliber shows where Moore's priorities are: He wants Michigan to be a team that runs the ball at will, with multiple backs who can wear down the defense. If we revisit this list a year from now, there's a good chance Haynes will be in the top five. Henderson, a transfer from Arizona State, was the starting left tackle on Michigan's 2023 national championship team, and that alone ensures him a spot on this list. Without the benefit of spring practice, Henderson needed time to adjust and didn't lock down the job until a month or so into the season. Michigan's tackles had their struggles that season, especially against Penn State, but they protected J.J. McCarthy when it mattered. Michigan needed everything it got from Henderson, especially after Zak Zinter went down with a broken leg against Ohio State. Advertisement Hinton and Henderson both transferred to Michigan from Pac-12 schools (at the time), and both became late-round draft picks. While Henderson was the more impactful player in 2023, Hinton contributed to Michigan's national championship run and had another full season as the Wolverines' starting left tackle. Coaches have been enamored with Hinton's potential since he was a high school prospect, and the Philadelphia Eagles are the latest team to bet on his upside as a sixth-rounder. Though Hinton didn't hit his first-round ceiling at Michigan, he wasn't a bust, and his two seasons at Michigan were enough to earn him a spot on this list. Most people had no idea what Michigan was getting when Zvada transferred from Arkansas State before last season. He's turned into one of the best kickers in college football with the range to boom field goals from 55-plus. It's appointment viewing every time Zvada runs onto the field, and that's not something that can be said about most kickers. And he does it with flair, which only adds to the aura. 'He came in the other day with a reversed Phoenix Suns Kevin Durant jersey,' Moore said during spring practice. 'It's like, 'You're the only kicker in the country that can wear that much swag.' It was beautiful.' Maybe you've noticed a theme on this list: A lot of Michigan's top transfers were offensive linemen. Moore, Michigan's former offensive line coach, has a good eye for players who fit the scheme, and the Wolverines needed linemen from the portal to fill gaps in recruiting and development. Nugent, a transfer from Stanford, filled one of those gaps as Michigan's starting center in 2023. He's not the most physically gifted offensive lineman to come through Ann Arbor, but he was one of the toughest. It's a compliment that you can say 'Michigan needs to find a Josh Wallace,' and people will know exactly what you mean. A Josh Wallace is a transfer from a smaller school (in this case, UMass) who arrives in the summer and fills a glaring hole in the roster (in this case, cornerback). While several players on this list contributed to Michigan's national championship season, it's hard to argue that any were more important than Wallace. The Wolverines didn't need him to be a star — they just needed him to be serviceable enough that the second cornerback spot wasn't the Achilles' heel of an otherwise dominant defense. Wallace was that and more. Advertisement Starting-caliber players with multiple years of eligibility are some of the most valuable prospects in the portal. While this list is heavy on one-year graduate transfers, Hausmann is the rare transfer who will play three years at Michigan, all as a major contributor. There's a case for Jaishawn Barham on this list, too, but I give the edge to Hausmann because he's played two distinct and valuable roles at Michigan. He was the third linebacker behind Michael Barrett and Junior Colson on the national championship team, and now he's entering his second season as Michigan's starting middle linebacker. Nebraska's loss has been Michigan's gain. Stewart's career represents everything good about the portal. He was an undersized, lightly recruited defensive end who signed with Coastal Carolina and tore up the Sun Belt as a freshman. Signing with Michigan allowed him to prove himself against the best players in college football, and that's exactly what he did. Stewart was one quarter of a dominant edge rotation in 2023 and was right in the middle of the biggest stop of Michigan's season, the fourth-down stuff of Jalen Milroe in the Rose Bowl. He returned in 2024, led Michigan with 8.5 sacks and became a third-round pick of the Rams. Oluwatimi is by far the most decorated transfer to play at Michigan during the portal era. Rimington Trophy. Outland Trophy. First team All-American. Starting center for an offensive line that won the Joe Moore Award in 2022. If there was something Oluwatimi could win, he probably won it. Michigan was still new to the portal game when Oluwatimi transferred from Virginia, and he charted a path for other transfers by stepping in as a leader on a team that started 13-0 and won the Big Ten. His season at Michigan was proof that signing the right players from the portal can enhance a team's culture rather than detracting from it. (Top photo of Olu Oluwatimi: Mark J. Rebilas / Imagn Images)
New York Times
3 days ago
- Business
- New York Times
What to watch at Lions OTAs: Aidan Hutchinson's return, Jameson Williams' progress, more
The Detroit Lions kick off OTAs this week, in what will be our first glimpse of the team Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell have assembled for the upcoming season. The highs of last year's magical 15-2 regular season were subdued by the lows of an abrupt playoff exit. With questions surrounding the coaching staff, key players working back from injuries and what looks to be a difficult schedule, it feels as if the Lions are flying a bit under the radar this offseason compared to last. Advertisement And maybe that's how they like it. We'll hear from Campbell and players on Friday. Until then, here's what we'll be watching: Hutchinson revealed last week that he's been fully cleared for team activities, and Friday will be our first opportunity to see him practice since he broke his leg in October. As one would imagine, Hutchinson has been champing at the bit to play again. A Super Bowl return last season always seemed like a long shot, especially considering how depleted the Lions were heading into the playoffs. Who knows how effective Hutchinson even would've been in February. But that's in the past. 'I feel like it's those trials and tribulations that really kind of mature you as a person, as a player,' Hutchinson said. 'It was a tough rehab, and I feel like now that I'm on the other side of it, looking back, you're kind of grateful for those experiences because it formed you into the person you are today.' "I'm fully cleared" — Detroit Lions (@Lions) May 22, 2025 Lions coaches have said they can sense Hutchinson is returning to form just by watching him. The team could opt to take things slow with its star pass rusher, but regardless, it'll be nice to see him out there again. He was putting together a special 2024 season before his injury. If he can recapture that magic, he'll be among the frontrunners for Comeback Player of the Year — and probably Defensive Player of the Year, too. Hutchinson said this is the most excited he's ever been about OTAs. And it's safe to say the Lions are happy to have him back. 'He looks really good,' new Lions defensive line coach Kacy Rodgers said. 'I'm sitting here just imagining what this guy went through, what he worked on to get back in case (the Lions) made it to the end last year and didn't. Then to see where he is right now is just — this guy, he's a true pro.' Advertisement 'His presence means a lot to not only the defensive side, but to us,' Penei Sewell said. 'His work ethic, that type of energy, everyone just gravitates to (it). We all want to be that type of guy, come in each and every day with relentless (effort) and be relentless both in the classroom and on the field.' We got a glimpse of Campbell's staff in action at rookie minicamp. If that was any indication, this group will be extremely vocal and active. Watching them interact, you'd think they've been coaching together for years. At rookie minicamp, Kelvin Sheppard and John Morton were active participants in practice, often offering tips after various reps or some tough love when needed. Tashard Choice's energy was contagious with the running backs, and one has to think Jahmyr Gibbs — a pupil of Choice's at Georgia Tech — and David Montgomery are going to love playing for him. Scottie Montgomery looked at home coaching wide receivers, the position he played. He'll be asked to develop rookie Isaac TeSlaa into a true weapon while trying to get the most out of others on the roster. This week will offer a chance to see this staff work with the entire team, not just the rookies, UDFAs and tryout players. Knowing Campbell and his eye for coaching talent, I'd expect everyone to look right at home. You knew it was only a matter of time before Williams made an appearance here — he's set up shop on the list of players to watch at each phase of the offseason since his rookie year. Usually, that discussion has been clouded by injuries, suspension or a general lack of production. But fresh off his first 1,000-yard campaign, Williams seems poised for a big year. His coaches have noticed a change in demeanor and a greater attention to detail. They think it could lead to an even better year than the one he just had. Advertisement 'He was here when I got back (in the facility), so that's a big deal to me,' Montgomery said. 'When I came off of the couple-week break we had, Jamo was already here. In the offseason, I didn't have to call him. Once I got the job, he knew exactly what it was. He came up just to say hello to me, because he knew what we needed to get done. And then (he had) … probably one of the better meetings I've ever seen him in. It was a total offensive meeting. … The communication level and the questions and the football IQ and the acumen that he was asking questions about is what you really wanted to see.' Said Morton of Williams: 'When I first got here, he came in to see me, we had a chat and I'm painting the picture — 'This is what you need to do, this is how I see it' — and he has been unbelievable. Unbelievable. In the meetings, the attention to detail, I mean, I'm so excited to see him this year. It's going to be a breakout year for him. So I can't wait. I just can't wait, man.' In this offense, Williams is a big play waiting to happen because of his second-level speed and how Detroit's receivers work in tandem to create mismatches. That he put up 1,001 receiving yards in 15 games as the second (or third) option in this passing attack last year speaks to how dynamic he can be in space. But he also has room to grow as a route runner and professional wide receiver. He has the talent to get there. If he does, it won't matter who's calling plays. It's typical for some veterans to miss the voluntary portions of the NFL's offseason, including OTAs. So, don't expect every player to be out there Friday. With the Lions canceling mandatory minicamp to accommodate an earlier July return ahead of the Hall of Fame Game, however, we might see more faces than usual this week. And that, in turn, could make the absences a bit more notable. One question is if LB Alex Anzalone will be in attendance. He wasn't at OTAs last year, so it wouldn't be much of a shift, but Lions coaches were coy when asked if Anzalone has been around the facility during offseason workouts. Advertisement 'I got no comment on that,' Lions LBs coach Shaun Dion Hamilton said. 'You talk to coach Campbell about him. I'm not in charge of answering those types of questions.' If Anzalone isn't in attendance, it could be as simple as a veteran opting for more rest with a long season ahead. However, it's worth mentioning that Anzalone is entering the final year of his contract. In recent months on social media, he has shared statistics and metrics highlighting his value and what the Lions ask of him coverage. His pinned post on X features a photo of himself with the caption, 'Respect is due.' 'I have zero concern,' Sheppard said of Anzalone. 'That player's a leader here, he's been a leader here. He's been an intricate piece in building the culture that's here, and I'm gonna pay the respect that he's earned and that he's due, and whatever his private situations are, I'll let Alex address those when he's face to face with you all. What I can tell you is, as far as it concerns me, it has no effect on how I see Alex or how I view him. That's one of our captains, he's been one of our captains, and I still see it as such.' Anzalone has earned a pay bump after signing a three-year, $18.75 million contract in 2023. However, as the Lions continue to take care of their homegrown talent, will there be enough money in the budget for a contract extension that could start at, say, $10 million per year? It's not an easy discussion, especially when it involves a player who helped build this culture from the ground up. We'll see if Anzalone is in attendance. If not, Campbell will be there to answer for him. The last time rookies took the field with the media around, first-round pick Tyleik Williams participated only briefly. The Lions were being cautious with him, as he went from Ohio State's extended title run straight into the draft process. Will Williams be more involved at OTAs? Meanwhile, TeSlaa impressed at rookie minicamp, but how will he fare against physical NFL defensive backs such as D.J. Reed, Terrion Arnold, Brian Branch, Amik Roberston and Ennis Rakestraw Jr.? For TeSlaa to reach his ceiling, he'll need continued reps against press-man corners. This will be a good early test. Advertisement The Lions won't be in full pads until training camp, but I'm curious to see how Tate Ratledge and Miles Frazier are discussed and deployed. If some of the veteran offensive linemen are given time off during OTAs, Detroit's two rookie linemen could see plenty of action (albeit, in shorts). Will Ratledge continue to cross-train at center? Will Frazier play some tackle? There will be opportunities for both players to get in some good work. This also will be our first time talking to Campbell since the rookie class arrived, so hearing his thoughts on each draft pick and their fit within the organization will be a nice change of pace after Holmes provided the front office's evaluations in April. (Top photo of Aidan Hutchinson: Christian Petersen / Getty Images)
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Ex-NHLer Michael Raffl Joins Brother In Austria
How Hutchinson's injury could affect next contract Now that Aidan Hutchinson has been 'fully cleared' for practice, Mike Florio and Michael Holley evaluate how his injury could be a factor in his next contract, given the DE is entering his fourth season. 9:46 Now Playing Paused Ad Playing
