The Detroit Lions were missing a handful of starters when they returned to practice on Wednesday to begin preparing for the Minnesota Vikings.
Rookie defensive tackle Nick Fairley, who aggravated his surgically repaired foot against the New Orleans Saints, was among the missing, according to the team. Lions coach Jim Schwartz said X-rays taken of Fairley's foot during the game were negative and he was cleared to return, but wasn't moving well enough to be effective.
Running back Kevin Smith was also held out Wednesday after aggravating an ankle injury last Sunday. Schwartz said the Lions expected the ankle to give Smith problems at some point during the game.
The Lions are still without safety Louis Delmas (knee) and cornerback Chris Houston (knee), who were both injured against the Green Bay Packers on Thanksgiving Day and missed the game against the Saints.
Defensive end Lawrence Jackson (thigh) also remains out after missing the last three games.
