ALLEN PARK -- Ndamukong Suh's ongoing absence from the Detroit Lions' offseason program has dwarfed what was expected to be one of the biggest storylines of the week.

Would Nick Fairley show up?

Turns out, he did.

And although coach Jim Caldwell cannot see whether Fairley is hustling during conditioning, per NFL rules, he likes what he's seen during meetings.

"I don't know anything about hustle," Caldwell said. "But I'll tell you what: He's been hustling in the meeting room, let me tell you that."

Fairley is a former first-round draft pick who has underperformed during his first three professional seasons. His conditioning and weight -- pushing 320 pounds last season, despite being listed at sub-300 -- have been blamed for his inconsistencies.

The Lions tried to motivate Fairley to get himself right this offseason by not picking up his option for 2015. So far, so good.

Fairley's not only here, but with the right attitude.

"He's been great so far, He's doing what he's supposed to do," Caldwell said. "He's here, he's working, he's learning the system. He's been active in the meeting rooms.

"It's been good -- but it's early yet."