Not a good sign that Nick Fairley is inactive for today’s game at the Arizona Cardinals.

Fairley injured his shoulder in the third quarter of the win over the Vikings last Sunday. He returned to practice on Friday although on a limited basis. He was listed on Friday’s injury report as “questionable” which is definitely a step up from “doubtful.’’

Fairley is starting his third season with the Lions and has not played a 16-game season yet. In 2012 he injured his shoulder on Dec. 9 and was placed on injured reserve three days later. He played in 10 as a rookie with ankle woes.

Ndamukong Suh and Fairley are considered by many — including Cardinals coach Bruce Arians — the top interior duo in the NFL. C.J. Mosley will step in to start next to Suh today. 

Right tackle Jason Fox won’t play, but that’s not a surprise. He was listed as out on Friday.

Other inactives are Kellen Moore, Mikel Leshoure, Ryan Broyles, Don Carey and Leroy Harris.

Two rookies — DE Devin Taylor and T LaAdrian Waddle — are active today after sitting out the opener last week.

Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald is active after limited practice all week with a hamstring injury. Fox Sports' Jay Glazer reported this morning that he is about 80 percent.

(Follow @PaulaPasche on Twitter. Order her book,  “100 Things Lions Fans Should Know & Do Before They Die’’ here. It’s also available at bookstores.)