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One thing you can count on with the Detroit Lions is that they are never, ever boring. Follow the latest news including injuries, roster moves and more here daily from Oakland Press beat writer Paula Pasche. Plus you'll find regular commentary about the team.

11/30/2011

Don't automatically assume that Fairley will start in Ndamukong Suh's spot

ALLEN PARK — Even though Ndamukong Suh is appealing his two-game suspension, he’s expected to at least miss Sunday’s game at New Orleans.

Don’t automatically assume that rookie Nick Fairley, the first-round pick, will start in his place. Fairley’s development was slowed down early in training camp and lasted through the start of the season. He’s getting playing time, but hasn’t made a huge impact yet.

When asked about Fairley, coach Jim Schwartz was careful not to proclaim him the starter in place of Suh. In fact, Schwartz mentioned Sammie Hill, a fourth-round pick in 2009, in the same breath as Fairley.

Hill has more experience. Even though he was not ready he started in his rookie season because of lack of depth on the line

There’s a lot of Fairley fans out there — including a couple that named their dog Fairley (via Twitter) — and he will see playing time.

My hunch is that Hill will start.

Andre Fluellen will also move back inside after helping out at defensive end with a rash of injuries at that position.

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