ALLEN PARK — Chris Greenwood returned to Detroit Lions' practice on Tuesday although on a limited basis. The young cornerback had been out since early in training camp with a hamstring injury.

“It’s important (to return), I’m just doing what I can as much as they let me do, what my body feels like, just doing what I can,’’ Greenwood said.

Cornerback Jonte Green, who also had a hamstring injury, returned a few days ago.

“(Greenwood) was back to do some individuals. We just shut it down right after that,’’ coach Jim Schwartz said. “It was good. Jonte has been a little bit ahead of him. He’s been doing that and actually taking some team reps. Neither guy is at full speed yet, but it’s good to have him back on the field.”

There is no doubt Greenwood is behind his teammates. The opportunities are there because of a rash of minor defensive back injuries.

“He’s missed quite a bit of time,’’ Schwartz said. “It’s one thing being behind physically, but then also practices, technique, and things like that. He certainly has some ground to make up for sure.”

Greenwood was one of the feel-good stories of the Lions’ 2012 draft.

He’s from Detroit, he played at Martin Luther King High School. He was also the pride of Albion College.

The Lions didn’t see him as a project, they saw him as a superb athlete.

Greenwood’s progress has been slow. In May 2012 he suffered an abdominal injury during OTAs that required surgery. Recovery was slow so he was placed on the physically unable to perform list for the 2012 season.

He still has a chance to get back on track, although it’s likely he’ll miss the second preseason game on Thursday at Cleveland.

If Greenwood can not catch up, he is eligible to be signed to the practice squad.

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