Louis Delmas returns to Detroit Lions practice

Detroit Lions safety Louis Delmas practiced Wednesday for the first time since July 31.

Delmas, who had surgery on his left knee Aug. 7, said he could have been back sooner.

"I could've practiced last week," Delmas told the Detroit Free Press. "Yeah, I felt good out there."

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Delmas didn't wear a brace on the knee and was limited. There has been no decision made as to his availability when the Lions return to action Oct. 14 at the Philadelphia Eagles.

"Too soon to tell," Lions coach Jim Schwartz said. "It's going to depend on how he responds. And if he responds well to this, then how he responds through a week of practice. But we're still leading to that point."

Delmas seems anxious to return.

"Who knows?" Delmas said. "It's whatever the coaches say."

The Lions certainly could use help on the back end. Opposing teams have a 101.3 passer rating and Detroit has yet to record an interception. Delmas only participated in individual drills. Schwartz wants to see how the knee responds tomorrow.

"Hopefully, we get him back after the bye week," Lions president Tom Lewand said. "(He) is another young player that's a Pro Bowl-caliber player."

Follow Kareem Copeland on Twitter @kareemcopeland.