The Detroit Lions are still operating with the hope that Aidan Hutchinson could potentially return to the field this season if they make a deep playoff run.

Before Thursday's game between the Lions and Green Bay Packers, Albert Breer reported the expectation in Detroit is Hutchinson "will be in uniform" if they advance to the Super Bowl now that he has progressed to running in a pool and walking without crutches.

Hutchinson has been out since Week 6 when he suffered a broken tibia and fibula in the Lions' 47-9 win over the Dallas Cowboys. He had surgery that same day to repair the injuries.

The Lions announced there was no timeline for Hutchinson to return to game action. Head coach Dan Campbell said the typical recovery time is four to six months, but he would "never count out" Hutchinson from potentially making it back before the end of this season.

Since the injury occurred, the Super Bowl has been mentioned as the likely possible return date for Hutchinson if the Lions advance that far.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported on Oct. 19 that there was a "realistic chance" Hutchinson could play in the Super Bowl, with one person saying they would be more surprised if he didn't suit up for that game.

The date of the injury was Oct. 13, so a four-month recovery timetable would be mid-February. Super Bowl 59 will be played on Feb. 9 in New Orleans.

Despite the loss of Hutchinson from their defensive line, the Lions haven't skipped a beat. They are currently riding an 11-game winning streak after Thursday's 34-31 win over the Packers that clinched them a spot in the playoffs.

The defense still ranks second in the NFL in points allowed per game. The Packers became just the third team this season to score at least 24 points against them.

Hutchinson was having a Defensive Player of the Year-caliber season before the injury. He had 17 quarterback hits, 7.5 sacks and seven tackles for loss in five games. The 24-year-old still leads the team in all three categories despite having not played in two months.