Notes: Ihedigbo returns to practice; Austin discusses Lions' defense
ALLEN PARK, Mich. -- Strong safety James Ihedigbo returned to practice Thursday for the first time since missing the Detroit Lions' final two preseason games because of knee and neck injuries.
"He's healing and coming along and making some progress," coach Jim Caldwell said.
Ihedigbo, who practiced only on a limited basis, was signed as an unrestricted free agent during the offseason to replace Louis Delmas in the starting secondary.
If he were to miss Monday's regular-season opener against the New York Giants, the Lions could be looking at starting an undrafted rookie, Jerome Couplin from William & Mary, based on their depth chart. Couplin is listed as the top reserve behind Ihedigbo.
Meanwhile, Don Carey, who remains out of practice because of a hamstring injury, and Isa Abdul-Quddus are the free safeties slotted behind starter Glover Quin on the depth chart. Quin is capable of playing either of the safety positions.
Caldwell wouldn't reveal his plans on who would fill in if Ihedigbo and/or Carey couldn't play.
"The guys that we have back there, we can rotate them," Caldwell said.
The official injury report -- with players listed as probable, questionable, doubtful or out - comes out Saturday this week, instead of Friday, because of the Monday game.
Couplin (6-foot-2, 215 pounds), one of the biggest surprises in training camp, impressed the coaching staff with his physical play during the preseason.
"Smart, real tough, growing, developing," Caldwell said. "Certainly an aggressive guy."
Defensive coordinator Teryl Austin added of Couplin: "He's a hitter. He's got really good length and range. He can run. We think he's got some upside. He's earned his way on."
In reality, though Couplin probably isn't ready to start a NFL regular-season game, which makes Ihedigbo's return to practice that much more significant.
QUOTING TERYL AUSTIN
--- On the difference recently in defensive tackle Nick Fairley, who was reinstated as a starter after getting demoted to second-team early in the preseason: "What Nick's done is basically he's worked harder, he's practiced harder. Consequently, he's playing better. That's what's earned our trust. I think it all goes back to how he prepares. When he prepares well, he plays well. As long as he continues to do that, he'll be our starter."
--- On Fairley's importance to the team: "Nick is really disruptive. He's explosive. He's got a tremendous amount of talent. The better he plays, the better our defense will be. We need him to play well."
--- On what he's learned about defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh: "He's pretty engaging. He's been great, personable. As you guys know, he's not going to be everybody's friend, but when you talk to him he's engaging, he's smart. He asks good questions in terms of what we're doing with work-related stuff. It's been great."
--- On Tahir Whitehead emerging as a starting outside linebacker: "He showed up a little bit in spring. You could see he's got a great burst. He can really run. Strong guy. He flashed for us in the spring and as we got into camp, he played really well. That's the end of story. He performed well."
--- On cornerback Darius Slay, a second-round draft pick last year, who is a big key to this season for the Lions: "I thought he had a heck of a preseason. He has the ability to shadow and cover receivers. Now he's got to take it to the season."
--- On his comfort level with the depth at cornerback: "I'm fine. Everybody's made a deal about our secondary, and what they can't do. When you look at the secondary, they're like the offensive line. They have to play well together.
"It doesn't matter if you have a superstar or two superstars back there. If they don't communicate well, they're not going to play well. If our guys communicate, know what each other's doing, take care of their business, take care of their jobs, they'll play well. So I'm not worried about the depth. I have complete confidence in those guys."
EXTRA POINT
--- Caldwell confirmed that the Lions will select captains on a weekly basis as opposed to naming them for the full season.
