ALLEN PARK -- Rookie defensive tackle Nick Fairley was back on the practice field Friday for the first time since August 1 when he injured his foot in training camp.

Fairley, who started running last week, stretched with the team and was a full participant in defensive line drills.

While it's a great sign Fairley was out there, he is still likely a few weeks from being in game shape.

Also returning to practice for the Detroit Lions was tight end Brandon Pettigrew. He had missed practice on Wednesday and Thursday with a banged up shoulder.

The only Lions who sat out on Friday morning was offensive tackle Jason Fox (foot).