Lions' Campbell: I wouldn't count out Hutchinson returning this season

Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell isn't sure we've seen the last of defensive end Aidan Hutchinson this season.

Campbell wouldn't deem Hutchinson's injury season-ending even though the star pass-rusher underwent surgery to repair a fractured tibia and fibula on Sunday night.

"I would never count Hutch out. Ever," Campbell said, according to ESPN's Eric Woodyard. "So, probably a long road, but I would never count him out and I would say if anybody can make it back, it'd be him."

Campbell says he expects Hutchinson's recovery to take four-to-six months, which could line up with the end of the postseason.

"Just knowing Hutch - he's got one of those rare ... once he believes in it, he can will himself to find a way to get back," Campbell told reporters. "He's one of those guys - the mind can heal the body, and he'll find the next best thing and do whatever it takes to get back."

Hutchinson got hurt while sacking Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott during a blowout victory Sunday. He was carted off the field with an air cast over his leg.

The 24-year-old was an early favorite to win Defensive Player of the Year, as his 7.5 sacks lead the NFL.

Hutchinson has been the centerpiece of Detroit's defense - no other Lions player has recorded more than 2.5 sacks. The Lions hold a 4-1 record, trailing only the 5-0 Minnesota Vikings in the NFC North.