ALLEN PARK, Mich. -- Nick Fairley certainly isn't ready to return to the Detroit Lions' lineup from his knee injury, but there are some potentially good signs emerging that maybe his season isn't over just yet.
Fairley said he's progressed "big time," and he appears to be rehabbing with the intent of getting back sometime during the final month of the regular season, or perhaps for the playoffs.
Asked before Wednesday's practice if a return this season is really realistic, Fairley said, "In my eyes, yes."
This was the first time that Fairley was available for interviews since he was injured in late October, a subtle indication that he is indeed feeling better about his progress.
"I'm trying to strengthen my knee up as strong as I can," Fairley said. "Hopefully, I can get back out there this year."
Coach Jim Caldwell said he's seen -- and heard -- a difference in Fairley of late, too.
Caldwell considers that a good sign.
"You can see when they're starting to make some headway," Caldwell said, referring to players who are rehabbing injuries. "You begin to see them liven up a little bit more.
"He's off those crutches and walking around. You hear him, which is comforting that he's doing well."
Fairley said he's been attending team meetings and spending two hours a day in both the training room and weight room during his rehab period.
Surprisingly, he has managed to stay in good shape despite the long layoff.
This was an obvious concern when he first got injured because Fairley has been notorious for having weight problems throughout his career.
He even got demoted to the second-team during the preseason because he had somehow gained 20-plus pounds after arriving at training camp.
His dedication and work ethic also have been questioned repeatedly since he came to Detroit as the 13th pick overall in the 2011 NFL Draft.
Fairley, however, has apparently lost a few pounds, which he credited to "just by eating healthy," with much of the credit going to the personal chef he hired back in training camp.
"Two ninety two," he said proudly when asked how much he weighed these days.
Caldwell confirmed that Fairley has kept his weight under control.
"It's difficult thing to do when you're somewhat inactive," Caldwell said. "He's been able to do that."
The injury really couldn't have come at a worse time for Fairley.
Not only are the Lions (8-4 entering Sunday's game against Tampa Bay) in the middle of possibly their best season in decades, Fairley is also in a contract year.
The Lions decided not to pick up the 2015 option year on his original contract, making him a free agent after this season.
While it would be a bad idea under the circumstances for him to try to return too soon and risk a more serious injury, it could be beneficial to come back and prove that his knee is healthy again.
"I can't avoid thinking about it," Fairley said of his contract status. "You know what I'm saying? It's going to be there.
"Right now I've got to put it on the backburner. I can't think about it as much as I want to. I've just got to wait until that time comes."
As for whether the injury could be a factor in negotiations down the road, Fairley said, "I don't think it will affect it."
The Lions' defense, for the most part, has continued to play well in Fairley's absence, but there's no doubt that he would make a difference for them down the stretch if he could return and play at a high level.
It would also help restore the depth on the defensive line, which was such a big part of the team's initial success.
"You can't take a premiere defensive tackle out of your lineup, with his type of spirit and attitude, and not miss that," safety Glover Quin said. "He's a jolly guy. He's always trying to have fun. You're definitely going to miss it, especially with a big-time player."
