News: The Lions ended defensive lineman Nick Fairley's season Wednesday by placing him on injured reserve with a shoulder injury.
Analysis: Fairley was much better in his second NFL season than his rookie campaign in 2011. He still didn't play a full season due to injuries, but he only missed time at the end of the year. He finishes with 34 tackles and 5 1/2 sacks in 13 games. Fairley has marginal Fantasy appeal in long-term keeper formats and will be at best a late-round Fantasy selection in IDP formats next summer.
News: Lions defensive lineman Nick Fairley turned in a decent performance as he picked up a sack during Sunday's contest against the Packers in Week 14. Fairley registered four tackles, all of which were solo, in a 27-20 defeat.
Analysis: Fairley is trying to live up to his high expectations and has registered 6.5 sacks this season. He is a decent source for sacks and has just 38 tackles this season. He is a bit inconsistent, so consider him as a low-end IDP option heading into Week 15 at Arizona.
News: Lions defensive lineman Nick Fairley made an impact for the second game in a row Sunday against the Packers in Week 11. Fairly posted a season-high with seven tackles and two sacks, in a 24-20 loss. He added one forced fumble, as well.
Analysis: Fairley might be living up to his considerable potential, after totaling just one sack as a rookie and 1.5 this season before last week. Over the last two games, Fairly has 11 tackles and three sacks. His track record is spotty, but if Fairly can keep this production up, he would be a decent Fantasy IDP option in deeper formats.
News: Lions defensive lineman Nick Fairley tallied four tackles and a sack during Detroit's 34-24 loss at Minnesota in Week 10. Fairley earned the start at defensive tackle for the injured Corey Williams and collected his first unassisted sack since the season opener.
Analysis: Fairley has been considered a bit of a bust since he was selected in the first round of the 2011 NFL Draft as he has only appeared in 19 games his first two years. He now has just 2.5 sacks this season as well as 15 tackles. He remains a low-end option in deeper Fantasy IDP formats if Williams is forced to miss more playing time.
News: Lions defensive lineman Nick Fairley’s court hearing for charges stemming from a DUI arrest in the offseason have been delayed until Sept. 26, after he defense attorney put in a request last Friday. While this may keep Fairley from facing legal trouble immediately, it does not guarantee him protection from a punishment from the league, as commissioner Roger Goodell has already said that he may not wait until the court proceedings run their course before disciplining him.
Analysis: A suspension is definitely expected for Fairley, and with this move to delay his court hearing until after the season begins, Goodell may move quickly. At this point, there is no way of knowing how this will be handled, but it seems unlikely that Fairley will play a full 16-game scheduled, after two offseason arrests. Fairley will have limited Fantasy value no matter how many games he plays this season.
News: The Detroit Free Press reports NFL commissioner Roger Goodell may not wait for Lions defensive tackle Nick Fairley to go through the legal process on his DUI case to suspend him. "I met with Nick earlier this spring and we talked an awful lot about where he is," Goodell said. "We don't (have to wait for the legal system to run its course) by policy, particularly if there's a pattern of behavior. But if there is not a pattern we certainly do acknowledge the legal process and want to be respectful of that."
Analysis: Fairley's suspension could come sooner than later. But even if he plays a full 16 games he would have minimal Fantasy value. Ignore him in most IDP formats this year.
News: Lions defensive end Nick Fairley is proving he is 100 percent healthy and ready for a big year, reports MLive.com Sunday. Fairley suffered a foot injury just four days after signing his rookie contract last year. He didn't return until Week 5, which hindered his development in his rookie season. He's had a tumultuous offseason, but is now ready to compete. "I'm 100 percent, ready to go," Fairley said.
Analysis: Teammates have given very positive early reports and expect big things from Fairley this season. "Nick looks good," team captain Kyle Vanden Bosch said. "We're depending on him. He's one of those guys that, as a defensive lineman, you usually take that big step from year one to year two and he has special athletic ability, especially for a big man. He can run, he can move, and he has long arms. He has all the tools. I think, as we go forward, you'll see him have more consistency." Fairley is still likely facing a suspension for 2012, but continue to monitor what develops. But even if he plays a full 16 games he would have minimal Fantasy value. Ignore him in most IDP formats this year.
News: Lions defensive lineman Nick Fairley attended Detroit's OTA practice Tuesday, participating in drills two days after being charged with a DUI and eluding police. Although Fairley's off-field future is uncertain, his on-field performance is positive. He looked solid during drills and has regained the speed and agility that Detroit expected him to provide last season before a foot injury.
Analysis: Fairley is likely facing a suspension for 2012, but continue to monitor what develops. But even if he plays a full 16 games he would have minimal Fantasy value. Ignore him in most IDP formats this year.
News: Lions defensive tackle Nick Fairley has been arrested in Alabama on charges of driving under the influence and attempting to elude police, his second arrest in his home state in two months. Alabama state troopers say the 24-year-old passed a state trooper early Sunday morning at 100 mph in his Cadillac Escalade in unincorporated Mobile County. After initially refusing to stop for the trooper's emergency lights and siren, Fairley pulled over and seemed impaired. He was arrested without incident. Fairley was also cited for reckless driving, no proof of insurance and open container. Fairley also was arrested April 3 in Mobile on a misdemeanor marijuana possession charge.
Analysis: We expect Fairley to hear from Commissioner Goodell before the season starts. A suspension is in order after getting arrested twice in one offseason. Fairley isn't worth drafting as anything more than a reserve in Fantasy.
News: Lions defensive tackle Nick Fairley was arrested in Mobile, Alabama, on a second-degree marijuana possession, according to the Sun-Sentinel. It is a misdemeanor charge. Fairley had a sack and 15 total tackles last year.
Analysis: Fairley's possible suspension stemming from this issue is irrelevant because he's not considered a strong candidate for stats. Keep him off rosters.
News: Lions DL Nick Fairley had three solo tackles and one sack in Sunday's loss to the Saints. He did leave for a bit after he injured his foot. Coach Jim Schwartz said X-rays on Fairley's foot were negative. Schwartz said Fairley's foot was sore after the game and that the soreness is around the same area Fairley had offseason surgery, where a screw was inserted to heal the injury.
Analysis: Fairly has just nine tackles in seven games this year, but getting his first sack is a plus. The rookie is still adjusting to the NFL, which is why he is just a low-end DL option in Fantasy IDP formats.
News: Detroit DL Nick Fairley is inactive for Week 8 against Denver because of a nagging foot injury. Fairley, who was considered doubtful for the matchup, has played in just three games this season as he has been limited with the setback.
Analysis: Fairley, the Lions' first round selection in the previous NFL Draft, has managed just one tackles as a result of the foot injury. Fantasy owners should continue to reserve him in deeper IDP formats for now.
News: Detroit DL Nick Fairley, the team's first-round draft pick, likely will be inactive Week 8 against Denver. He aggravated his surgically repaired left foot against Atlanta and was still wearing a protective boot five days later. The Lions listed him as doubtful after he didn’t practice for a third straight day on Friday.
Analysis: Fairley has managed just three games this season and just one tackle as he's struggled to live up to his lofty draft status. “It is going to be something that he is going to have to manage and we are going to have to manage,” Detroit coach Jim Schwartz said. Fantasy owners should continue to reserve him in deeper IDP formats for now.
News: Lions DL Nick Fairley will see limited action again in Week 6 against the 49ers after a brief but effective Week 5 debut. “(Fairley) played like it was (his) first preseason game,” defensive coordinator Gunther Cunningham said Friday. “There were a couple of good snaps and we anticipated that.” Detroit’s goal is to have Fairley fully integrated in the defense by Week 8.
Analysis: Fairley was unimpressive in his debut but should get better as the season goes on. Keep an eye on his progress going forward as he and Ndamukong Suh are expected to wreak havoc on opposing quarterbacks. But until he proves his worth on the field, continue to view Fairley as more of a low-end DL in IDP formats.
News: Lions DL Nick Fairley made his NFL debut in Week 5 against the Bears. After missing the first four games due to a foot injury, he did not record a tackle in the 24-13 win. He finished with one quarterback hit.
Analysis: Fairley was unimpressive in his debut but should get better as the season goes on. Keep an eye on his progress going forward as he and Ndamukong Suh are expected to wreak havoc on opposing quarterbacks. But until he proves his worth on the field, continue to view Fairley as more of a low-end DL in IDP formats.
News: As expected, Lions DL Nick Fairley has been ruled active and will make his season debut in Week 5 against the Bears. Fairley had yet to play this season due to a foot injury.
Analysis: Fairley will make his season debut on Monday night and said on Saturday he was every excited about finally getting back on the field. However, until the rookie proves to be both productive and healthy, he should only be considered a low-end option.
News: Detroit DL Nick Fairley (foot) is listed as questionable for Week 5 against Chicago. Fairley, who has yet to play a game during his rookie season, practiced with the first-team defense on Saturday. In the drills, Fairley replaced DT Corey Williams as he lined up with DT Ndamukong Suh, and DEs Cliff Avril and Kyle Vanden Bosch.
Analysis: Fairley’s first-team drill participation indicates he could make his pro debut Monday night against the Bears. “I probably won’t get any sleep,” Fairley said. “I’ve just got to wait to find out (if he’s playing), and if I am ... it’s going to be a party. Bring the chips and dip -- the D-line’s got the quarterbacks.” The Lions defense has been impressive already this season and posted nine sacks. Fantasy owners should continue to reserve Fairley in deeper IDP formats as he works back into game action.
News: Lions DT Nick Fairley (foot) participated in open practice periods Friday, but spent a significant portion of individual drills having his foot wrapped by Lions' trainers. Contrary to published reports, Fairley says Detroit’s coaches haven’t told him if he’ll play Monday night vs. Chicago. “I don’t know anything about (the published reports),” Fairley said. "When I come in and (trainers) say ‘Are you ready to (play)?’ I'll be happy.”
Analysis: The fact that Fairley has practiced for three straight workouts opens the possibility that he could play Monday against the Bears. If Fairley does play, however, expect his role to be an extremely limited one. The Lions probably aren't going to push Fairley into full-time reps and allow him to build up his stamina. Look to other alternatives in Fantasy until Fairley starts making a difference up front.
News: ESPN reports that Lions DL Nick Fairley (foot) is expected to make his NFL debut on Monday night against the Bears, citing a source familiar to the situation. The 12th overall pick of the NFL draft, Fairley broke his foot in training camp, causing him to miss the entire preseason and the team's first four games. Lions coach Jim Schwartz sidestepped questions regarding Fairley's potential availability earlier in the week. But according to the source, Fairley has told friends and family -- who are traveling to Detroit for the game -- that he expects to participate in a situational capacity.
Analysis: Schwartz told the Detroit media that even if Fairley is healthy enough to play against the Bears on Monday night it's unlikely he'll make a significant contribution. Keep that in mind in IDP formats as he still won't be a player worth activating despite the fact he'll be making his debut. Fairley is still worth stashing in Fantasy IDP formats for now.
News: Lions rookie DT Nick Fairley was able to participate in individual drills at practice on Wednesday for just the second time since fracturing his left foot on Aug. 1, reports the Detroit Free Press. Fairley has yet to debut for the Lions and his status for Monday night in Week 5 against Chicago is not known.
Analysis: Fairley was the 13th overall pick in the NFL draft and has been improving health-wise with each passing week he sits out. Fairley will be apart of Detroit's eight-man rotation on the defensive line upon his return. He'll likely start as a backup pass rusher. Fairley is worth stashing in Fantasy IDP formats, but shouldn't be activated even if he plays in Week 5 as owners will have to see how he's used.
News: Lions DL Nick Fairley, who has yet to make his NFL debut because of a foot injury, did not practice all week and has been ruled out for Week 4 at Dallas.
Analysis: The Lions had some hope that Fairley would be active Week 4, but it wasn't in the cards. But the good news is that they don't need to rush the rookie lineman since Detroit has gotten off to a surprising start. Fairley is worth stashing in Fantasy IDP formats. Just don't activate him yet.
News: The Detroit Free Press reports that the Lions are hopeful that DT Nick Fairley (foot) can return to action in Week 4 against the Cowboys. Fairley returned to practice on Friday on a limited basis for the first time since he suffered a fractured left foot on Aug. 1. "That was a big step," said Lions coach Jim Schwartz. "He'd been doing a lot of stuff on the side and doing a lot of lifting and conditioning and things like that, but actually putting a helmet on -- he doesn't even have any stickers on his helmet. This is just part of the process."
Analysis: Fairley will be monitored throughout the week. If he does play, he'll play only sparingly initially in certain obvious passing situations. Fairley has a bright future ahead in the NFL and could make an impact in 2011, so he is worth stashing in IDP formats. He just isn't worth activating yet.
News: Lions DL Nick Fairley was ruled out for the Week 3 game at Minnesota due to a foot injury. Fairley completed some individual drills during the practice week leading up to Sunday, but was ruled out on the final injury report. He was inactive for the Week 3 game against the Vikings.
Analysis: While it's encouraging Fairley was back on the practice field this week, he was inactive for Week 3, so Fantasy owners shouldn't activate him in IDP formats. Fairley has a bright future ahead in the NFL and could make an impact in 2011, so he is worth stashing in IDP formats.
News: Lions DT Nick Fairley took part in individual drills Friday for the first time since Aug. 1. Fairley completed the individual drill periods open to media, but was justifiably tentative as he tests his injured foot. The Lions play the Vikings in Week 3, but Fairley has been ruled out. "It's the first step," coach Jim Schwartz said. "(He's) still got a long way to go, but there's steps along the way and this is one of them."
Analysis: While it's encouraging Fairley is back on the practice field, he will be inactive for Week 3, so Fantasy owners shouldn't activate him in IDP formats. Fairley has a bright future ahead in the NFL and could make an impact in 2011, so he is worth stashing in IDP formats.
News: As expected, Detroit DL Nick Fairley did not practice again Wednesday as he continues to recover from surgery to repair a broken bone in his foot. Fairley, the team's top pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, suffered the injury on the second day of training camp and had surgery the next day. He has yet to practice since then. "I am just working with the trainers and trying to get everything to 110 percent so when I get out there I will be ready for the long run," Fairley told The Sports Xchange. "Everything is going good. I am just waiting for the word that I can go."
Analysis: Lions coach Jim Schwartz will not put a timetable on his return. "At this point he's just an injury-report guy," Schwartz told The Sports Xchange. "We'll get him back as soon as we can. He's making good progress. He's going to play a lot of good football for us this year. When he is able, and he can represent himself well, we will get him out on the field." Fantasy owners should continue to remain patient awaiting Fairley's debut, but he is not expected to be a major contributor when he is able to play.
News: As previously anticipated, Lions rookie DT Nick Fairley was among the team's inactives for the Week 2 game against the Chiefs. He has missed considerable time since early in training camp with a broken foot.
Analysis: Fairley has been progressing in his rehab to the point that he is even running some, but he still has a ways to go. "I feel real good about it right now," Fairley said Thursday. "I sit down with coach Kris (Kocurek), and I sit down with Corey (Williams), and I just go over plays and what I've got to do. I'm not out there taking field reps, so I need to take my mental reps when I'm out there watching them at practice." Fantasy owners should keep an eye on the talented DTs progress, but he remains a player to be stashed until he gets back on the field.
News: Lions DT Nick Fairley missed practice once again on Thursday, still rehabbing from foot surgery, but he remains on track for a return sooner than later. The first-round pick began running during the week, but there remains no set timetable for his return. "I've started running and everything, so it's going good," Fairley told MLive.com. "(I'm) just waiting for the word that I can go."
Analysis: Fairley may be physically progressing, but he has been studying for mental reps throughout camp and he keeps up with the game plan even thoguh he likely won't play Week 2 against the Chiefs. "I feel real good about it right now," Fairley said. "I sit down with coach Kris (Kocurek), and I sit down with Corey (Williams), and I just go over plays and what I've got to do. I'm not out there taking field reps, so I need to take my mental reps when I'm out there watching them at practice." Fantasy owners should keep an eye on the talented DTs progress, but he remains a player to be stashed until he gets back on the field.
News: Lions coach Jim Schwartz says OT Jason Fox and DT Nick Fairley have made good progress rehabbing their foot injuries. "(Fairley and Fox are) both closer (to returning to action) than they were last week,” Schwartz said. He didn't offer a specific timeline for the players’ return, saying Fairley and Fox “have a little ways to go."
Analysis: Fairley did not practice on Wednesday, and he likely won't be able to play in Week 2 against the Chiefs. However, the fact that he is getting better is as good of a sign as any that he may be back sooner than expected. Fairley has the chance to be a special rookie next to the dominating Ndamukung Suh, so Fantasy owners should pay close attention to the situation. Hold onto him in deeper IDP formats for now.
News: Lions DL Nick Fairley (foot) is inactive as expected for Week 1 at Tampa Bay. Fairley was ruled out on the injury report on Friday.
Analysis: Everyone is eagerly awaiting Fairley's debut after he was one of the best defensive linemen in college at Auburn. However, we aren't sure yet when he will take the field because he still has some work to do. Once active, however, he will play alongside Ndamukong Suh and Detroit will have a solid group of defensive tackles. Fairley is worth holding onto in larger Fantasy IDP formats.
News: The Detroit Free Press reports that Lions DT Nick Fairley, who is still recovering from foot surgery, will not play in the season opener on Sept. 11 against the Buccaneers. He did have his boot removed, though. . “Out of the boot, but not out of the woods," coach Jim Schwartz said. "They (Fairley and OL Jason Fox) still have a lot to do, but they’re doing more and more every day.”
Analysis: Fairley has been on the right path in his rehabilitation, but the team will not rush the rookie back before he is ready. They can afford that on perhaps the deepest defensive line in all of football, but the No. 13 overall pick in April's NFL Draft should be back sooner than later. Fantasy owners should monitor Fairley's situation, though he remains just a low-end IDP option for now until he is ready to go. Stash him in deeper leagues.
News: Lions DT Nick Fairley was able to get his cast removed on Tuesday, reports the team's official website. He can now up his rehab work as he looks to return near the start of the regular season. "He’s done a good job in our meetings, done a good job in the weight room, and is doing what he can do," said coach Jim Schwartz about Fairley. "When he’s healthy he’ll be ready.”
Analysis: Fairley should be good to go once the season starts, but he is missing critical time in his physical development by not being able to work out with the defense on a daily basis. He should still see significant playing time as a rookie, though his Fantasy value has become more of the wait-and-see mold. Fairley is talented enough select with a late-round pick in IDP formats, but don't gamble earlier.
News: DT Nick Fairley (foot) watched practice Tuesday for the first time since his injury. Fairley told reporters he's returned to workouts and has begun post-surgical rehab. Fairley said he's taking his rehab day by day, and didn't offer a timetable for his return to practice.
Analysis: The Lions aren't going to risk the long-term future of the first-round pick Fairley. He is expected to miss most of the preseason and his status for the opener is up in the air. But this injury doesn't appear as though it will sideline Fairley for all of the 2011 season. Fairley was a great pass rusher in college and should get favorable matchups playing alongside Ndamukung Suh. Consider Fairley with a late-round round in IDP formats.
News: The Lions announced on Wednesday that rookie DT Nick Fairley not only saw a specialist about his injured foot, but he underwent surgery. The team said he will miss a "significant portion " of training camp. “He was in great condition for camp & made a good impression the first couple days. Look forward to getting him back as soon as he’s healthy,” coach Jim Schwartz said via Twitter.
Analysis: Fairley, the the No. 13 overall pick in April's NFL Draft, will now miss most of an already shortened camp. That doesn't bode well for his early-season progress, though it doesn't seem like he will be missing any time in the regular season. Fantasy owners should keep an eye on the former Auburn star's progress, as he now becomes more of an injury risk on Draft Day. Still, Fairley's raw talent and position next to Ndamukong Suh make him worth selecting in the latter rounds of IDP formats even at less than 100 percent.
News: Lions DT Nick Fairley traveled to Charlotte, NC to have further tests on his ankle. The Lions were concerned after observing Fairley on Tuesday. Although no official explanation of Fairley's injuries was given, it is believed that they are more serious than originally believed.
Analysis: Fairley was a force in college at Auburn and should be in the NFL playing alongside Ndamukong Suh.He is worth tracking in deeper IDP formats, but likely will not be drafted in any leagues this fall. Continue to monitor his progress.
News: Lions DL Nick Fairley, who hurt his foot at practice on Monday, was on the sidelines for Tuesday's practice. “Nick is sore and couldn’t practice today," coach Jim Schwartz told reporters. "We’re still doing some tests on him and having a lot of different people look at (him), but he’s down for now and we’ll see what happens.”
Analysis: Fairley was already behind the learning curve thanks to the NFL lockout and now this injury could set him back even further. Fairley slipped to Detroit in the middle of the first round, but the Lions could end up with a steal along the defensive line. Fairley was a force in college at Auburn and should be in the NFL playing alongside Ndamukong Suh. Fairley is merely worth a late-round flier in deeper seasonal IDP formats, so hopefully this injury turns out to be minor.
News: Mlive.com reported Monday that rookie DT Nick Fairley injured his foot in Monday morning's practice. The training staff immediately took X-rays on the injured area, but they came back negative. "Nick sorta tweaked his foot during pass rush or indivudal (drills), one of those things," coach Jim Schwartz said after practice. "We sent him to get it X-rayed, just to make sure there wasn't a broken bone in there because he wanted to keep practicing. So we sent him in; that was negative. He got back out. He's sore, but we'll probably do a few more tests and things like that." Fairley has no timetable for a return.
Analysis: The team is just taking things slow with the No. 13 overall pick in April's NFL Draft, but it is not believed that he is to miss extended time. Fantasy owners should keep an eye on his status going forward, especially if he continues to lose invaluable reps in training camp. Fairley may be worth a late-round flier in the deepest of IDP formats, but the injury is worth monitoring to make sure he gets back in time for the regular season.
News: Detroit and DT Nick Fairley, the No. 13 pick in the NFL draft, agreed to a four-year deal on Thursday. According to MLive.com, Fairly tweeted: "Thank God, family and fans! I'm officially a Lion. Time to get to work." The 6-foot-4, 298-pound Fairley entered the draft after winning the Lombardi Award as a junior with the Tigers. Fairley had 11 1/2 sacks last season and a total of 24 stops behind the line for the national champion Auburn Tigers.
Analysis: Fairley will be a nice compliment to Ndamukong Suh, but Fantasy owners in IDP leagues should expect the rookie to post numbers like he did at Auburn. Only show him attention in deepest of IDP formats.
News: The Lions started to turn around the franchise last year with an improved defensive line -- and now it just got better. Detroit drafted Auburn defensive tackle Nick Fairley with the No. 13 pick in the NFL draft. They already have defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh, the only rookie on The Associated Press All-Pro team, along with veteran standouts Kyle Vanden Bosch and Corey Williams. The 6-foot-4, 298-pound Fairley entered the draft after winning the Lombardi Award as a junior with the Tigers. Fairley had 11 1/2 sacks last season and a total of 24 stops behind the line for the national champion Tigers. "He's an impact player at an impact position," head coach Jim Schwartz said. "He dominated games at times -- a lot like Ndamukong Suh dominated games. Turn the national championship game on, this guy was the best on the field."
Analysis: We love this pick for the Lions, but Fairley will not be in a position to post a lot of stats as an up-front lineman in a 4-3 defense. He should be ignored outside the deepest of Fantasy Football leagues.
