Aidan Hutchinson is back and ready to go. The Lions’ star pass rusher is fully cleared after a long recovery from a horrific fractured tibia and fibula injury he suffered Week 6 against the Cowboys.

"I'm fully cleared," Hutchinson told the assembled media on Thursday, several days after Lions defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard and defensive line coach Kacy Rodgers gave positive updates on Hutchinson, who underwent surgery on the injury that included fractures to his tibia and fibula.

The Lions of recent years have escaped the category of chronic dysfunction. The Hutchinson deal is arguably the last, best test for whether the exit is temporary or permanent.