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NFC Wild Card: Lions’ DT Nick Fairley inactive vs. Cowboys

By Sam Richmond

Sep 21, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions defensive tackle Nick Fairley (98) before the game against the Green Bay Packers at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 21, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions defensive tackle Nick Fairley (98) before the game against the Green Bay Packers at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports /
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Detroit Lions defensive tackle Nick Fairley has been ruled out for the team’s NFC Wild Card matchup against the Dallas Cowboys due to a knee injury.

The Detroit Lions will be without one of their better defenders when they face off against the Dallas Cowboys in the NFC Wild Card round on Sunday.

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The Lions announced 90 minutes prior to kickoff that defensive tackle Nick Fairley will miss the contest with a knee injury.

This latest development comes as little surprise, as Lions coach Jim Caldwell said earlier in the week that it would take a “miracle” for Fairley to play and the defensive tackle was originally listed as doubtful.

Fairley has been injured since Oct. 26, when he injured ligaments in his knee during Detroit’s game against the Atlanta Falcons in London.

Tim Twentyman of the Lions’ official website suggests that Fairley could be available next week if the Lions can survive this week.

"If the Lions are able to beat the Cowboys and move on to the divisional round of the playoffs in Seattle next week, expect there to be a better chance of Fairley making his return to game action."

Fairley racked up 14 tackles and one sack in eight appearances this season. Fairley, a first-round selection of the Lions in 2011, had a career year last season, as he posted 35 tackles and six sacks.

Fairley will be a free agent after this season.

Wide receiver Ryan Broyles, right guard Larry Warford, quarterback Kellen Moore, defensive end Larry Webster, cornerback Josh Thomas and defensive tackle Caraun Reid round out the other six inactives for the Lions.

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