Allen Park, MI – The undefeated Detroit Lions could be getting a boost on defense.
Rookie defensive tackle Nick Fairley practiced on a limited basis Thursday for just the second time since having corrective foot surgery two months ago.
Fairley signed a four-year contract worth $10 million after the Lions selected him with the No. 13 overall pick in this year's draft, but has hasn't been able to play since undergoing surgery on August 3.
That could change as soon as Monday night, according to a report earlier Thursday by ESPN, which said Fairley would make his NFL debut on Monday night against the Chicago Bears.
Fairley said Thursday that he's been waiting to get back onto the field since he was injured.
"It has just been a long process that I have been going through," Fairley said in comments posted on the Lions' website. "I feel pretty good where I am right now and when I get back out there I will try to bring a lot more success to the team."
The Auburn product won the 2010 Lombardi Award given to the nation's best lineman. He had a huge junior season in 2010, finishing with 60 total tackles, 24 for loss and 11 1/2 sacks for the national champions.
