Allen Park, MI - Detroit Lions defensive tackle Nick Fairley returned to practice on Thursday for the first time since suffering a knee injury in late October.

Fairley suffered a MCL and PCL injury in his right knee in a Week 8 victory over the Atlanta Falcons in London.

He took part in limited fashion Thursday, participating in individual drills, and has still not been cleared for game action.

Earlier in the week, Detroit coach Jim Caldwell said it would be a "miracle" if Fairley were able to play in Sunday's wild-card game at Dallas.

Guard Larry Warford sat out practice yet again on Thursday with a right knee injury he sustained against the Packers this past Sunday.

He hasn't been ruled out, but if he is rookie Travis Swanson will get the start. Swanson made the first start of his career Sunday in place of veteran Dominic Raiola, who was suspended for the game due to a stomping incident in Week 16 against the Bears.