ESPN is reporting that Lions’ first round draft pick (13th overall) Nick Fairley will make his NFL debut on Monday Night Football against the Chicago Bears. The Lions are playing this one close to the vest, and have only commented that Fairley is progressing and a decision on his status for Monday has not yet been made. Fairley practiced Thursday for the second day in a row, and the third time since the injury occurred on Aug. 1.
Even if Fairley is in uniform on Monday night, it is highly unlikely that the defensive tackle will see significant action, as the Lions certainly plan to bring him along slowly. While addressing the Detroit Media, Coach Jim Schwartz commented that “you’re talking about a guy who played in zero preseason games, and you always have a progression in those. We won’t go from zero to 100 without taking some steps along the way.”
If Fairley does see game action it will be in a situational role, and most likely in obvious third down passing situations. Having not practiced, it is unlikely that Gunther Cunningham will have enough confidence in Fairley’s run defense, and it is even more unlikely that Corey Williams will be replaced on run downs. It is doubtful that the 2010 Lombardi Award winner will make an impact on this game, but even five to ten snaps means that he is progressing, and getting closer to joining the league’s deepest defensive line rotation.
Ref: Getty (image)
