Chris McCosky of the Detroit News checked in to see how Lions’ rookie DT Nick Fairley is progressing in his return to the lineup after suffering a foot injury during training camp.
Now despite there still being no time-table to Fairley’s return, it does look like he’s getting close to a return. Lions head coach Jim Schwartz did however reiterate that the team is able to get Fairley back to action at a proper pace because of the depth at the defensive line position.
“With the depth that we have, it helps us not have to be impatient or make a bad decision,” Schwartz explained. “We don’t have to put any player out before he’s ready. That’s been a help in this situation.”
The general feeling is that NFL teams usually like to give players a week of practice and observation before bringing them back. So if Fairley were to return next week that would greatly increase his chances of seeing game action in Week 4.
ESPN’s Matt Williamson also had an interesting take on the possibility of Suh and Fairley lining up on the defensive line together this season…
“It wouldn’t surprise me at all to see Ndamukong Suh and/or Fairley lined up at end from time to time. There are a lot of options here. Also at tackle are the unheralded Sammie Lee Hill and Corey Williams. Both are fine players in their own regard and deserve more accolades than they receive. Lawrence Jackson has done many good things so far in a Lions uniform, but it is Cliff Avril who could be on the cusp of truly breaking out and turning into a Pro Bowl-caliber end.”
Re: Detroit News, ESPN
