Lions defensive tackle Nick Fairley’s sure he’s in good shape, he’s just not sure when he’ll be able to get back on the field.
Fairley told reporters today he was a svelte 292 pounds, which should ease any concerns about his conditioning. What he doesn’t know is when his knee will be fit enough to play.
“Right now I’m taking it one day at a time,” Fairley said, via Tim Twentyman of the team’s official website. “Just trying to strengthen my knee up as strong as I can so I can hopefully get back out there this year.”
Asked if he thought that was a reasonable possibility, Fairley replied: “In my eyes. yes.”
Lions coach Jim Caldwell said earlier this week he wasn’t sure if Fairley would be able to return this year, though they haven’t put any time frame on it. But Caldwell was impressed that Fairley’s in shape, since his Oct. 26 knee injury.
Of course, he might just be getting buff for free agency, since the Lions didn’t pick up his option and he’ll be an unrestricted free agent after the season.
“I can’t avoid thinking about it. It’s here. You know what I’m saying?” Fairley said of his contract status. “It’s going to come about. Right now I just have to put it on the back burner. I can’t think about it as much as I want to. I just have to wait until that time comes.”
So do the Lions, to see if they ever get to see the former first-rounder on the field again.