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’ 8-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.
By Peter Wardell
