Michael C. Wright of ESPN Chicago is reporting that Lions DT Nick Fairley sprained his MCL and PCL during Sunday’s win over the Falcons.
- According to Wright, Fairley is expected to miss 4-5 weeks following this injury.
- Ian Rapoport confirms the report and adds that he could be back after a month, but there is no firm timetable at this point.
Fairley, 26, is in the final year of his rookie contract after the Lions elected to not pick up his fifth-year option several months ago.
So far this season, Fairley has recorded 14 tackles, one sack and a forced fumble over the course of eight games, but his play has been much better than these numbers would indicate.
Pro Football Focus has him rated as the No. 10 defensive tackle in the league out of 76 qualifying players. According to their ratings, Fairley has been equally effective as an interior pass-rusher and as a run-defender.
Ndamukong Suh could also test the free agent market next year, so there is at least a chance that Detroit could have a new set of starting defensive tackles come 2015.
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