Detroit Lions: Nick Fairley Returns to Practice

Detroit Lions rookie defensive tackle Nick Fairley returned to practice Friday for the first time since breaking his left foot back on August 1st.

As of now, it’s unclear how long it will take for the Lions’ first-round selection to get back on the gridiron, but Friday’s practice was certainly a step in the right direction according to head coach Jim Schwartz.

Said Schartz, “[Fairley’s] still got a long way to go, but there’s steps along the way and this was one of them.” He added that the former Auburn University standout has been an active participant in the meeting room and has gotten back into lifting and conditioning regularly.

Defensive coordinator Gunther Cunningham exuded similar enthusiasm. “He’s been busting his tail to get back out there, and we can’t wait til he does…My hope as a football coach is to get him out there and get him ready to roll, ‘cause I think he’s pretty good.”

Fairley, winner of the Lombardi Award last season as the nation’s best college lineman, should crack the Lions’ eight-man D-line rotation as soon as he’s healthy. Since his selection back in April, fans have been frothing over the possibility of a fearsome Suh-Fairley tandem at DT, one that will immediately rate as one of the league’s best.

Fairley will not dress for the Sunday’s matchup against the Minnesota Vikings, but his return to practice Friday opens up the possibility for a return at the Dallas Cowboys next week.