ALLEN PARK, Mich. -- Some good news for the Detroit Lions at practice Friday. Starting defensive tackle Nick Fairley (shoulder) and linebacker Ashlee Palmer (ankle) were back on the field and participating.

This bodes well for their chances to play Sunday.

Only four players were not practicing Friday. Right tackle Jason Fox (groin) missed his third straight day, as did safety Don Carey (hamstring). Starting safety Louis Delmas (knee) and defensive end Jason Jones (knee) were also not practicing. That shouldn't be a concern, though, as some veterans usually get Fridays off.

Jones was out at practice, but was helping with drills instead of participating in them.