Return of ‘relentless competitor’ changes how Packers game plan for the Lions

Last season the Green Bay Packers didn’t have to face a Detroit Lions defense with star pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson.

A severe leg injury ended Hutchinson’s 2024 season after six games and the Packers avoided the 2023 Pro Bowler in a year he was tracking as an early favorite for NFL Defensive Player of the Year.

This year, the Packers open the season on Sunday up against a returning Hutchinson, hungry to get back to terrorizing opposing offenses after working his way back from his injury.

According to Green Bay coach Matt LaFleur, a lot changes for the Packers when game planning for the Lions with the former No. 2 overall pick ready to go.

“You’re talking about one of the premier players in the…