Detroit Lions vs. Oakland Raiders: Five Things to Watch
By Alex Reno
Dec 22, 2013; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions defensive tackle Nick Fairley (98) celebrates after making a play during the fourth quarter against the New York Giants at Ford Field. Giants beat the Lions 23-20. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Nick Fairley in Caldwell’s Doghouse?
Prior to the start of training camp, there was a lot of buzz around Nick Fairley’s apparent weight loss and how he looked to be in a lot better shape since last year.
Fairley weighed in at about 320 pounds last year, and came in at about 295 during OTAs. The team told him that 295 was too skinny, so he packed on ten more pounds and all was well.
However, recent reports are now claiming that Fairley has continued to put on extra weight, and has been demoted to the second-team as a result.
According to Lions beat writer Dave Birkett, putting on weight isn’t the only reason for the demotion.
Fairley's demotion isn't just about weigh, it's about motivating him to play better & improve practice habits. Shedding a few LBs would help
— Dave Birkett (@davebirkett) August 13, 2014
With Fairley’s recent demotion, CJ Mosley has been receiving reps with Ndamukong Suh on the first-team unit.
Head Coach Jim Caldwell has insisted that Fairley has not been demoted, but playing with the twos for two straight practices suggests otherwise.