Here's a surprise: Detroit Lions rookie defensive tackle Nick Fairley practiced today. After missing almost all of training camp, the entire preseason and the first two games of the regular season, Fairley was on the practice field to actually participate for the first time since he broke his foot on Aug. 1.

The obvious caveat is that returning to practice doesn't necessarily mean we will see Fairley in a game in the immediate future. Alphonso Smith, who broke his foot before training camp, has been practicing the last couple of weeks (on a limited basis) and hasn't seen the field in a game. It's likely that Fairley's debut in a game is at least another couple weeks away.

Of course, it's great news that Fairley has recovered enough to be on the practice field. I know many were concerned that it was taking him so long to get to this point, so it's great to hear he was able to practice today.