DETROIT — What is it with Detroit Lions defensive tackles?

On Tuesday, the day that Ndamukong Suh showed up for the first day of OTAs (organized team activities), Nick Fairley was absent.

“He’s got a medical issue to deal with,’’ coach Jim Caldwell said about Fairley at Tuesday night’s Taste of the Lions event at Ford Field.

Caldwell said he wasn’t certain if Fairley would return this week.

He didn’t give any other specifics except saying that “he had a procedure.’’

Suh missed all of the voluntary workouts for the team since they reported on April 7. He was working with his own trainers.

“It was great to have him there,’’ Caldwell said. “As you anticipate he’s in impeccable shape and ready to go.’’

Caldwell said Suh did not address the team on his return.

“I’m not certain why he would do that, I don’t understand why that would come up as an issue,’’ Caldwell said. “He didn’t do anything wrong, it’s all voluntary.’’

Tuesday was the first of 10 OTAs allowed under the current contract. They continue this week on Wednesday and Thursday.

“It’s a great time for us because we finally have an opportunity to get on the field —10 opportunities against one another,’’ Caldwell said. “We had a bit of advantage because we had the voluntary minicamp where we could spar against each other. Now we get to do it more extensively.’’

The Lions were allowed an extra minicamp because they have a new head coach.

Caldwell, his coaching staff and all of the players participated in the Taste of the Lions. Lem Barney, Herman Moore, Luther Ellis, Jason Hanson and Mike Utley were a few of the former Lions on hand.

All the proceeds from the event go to Eastern Market. It was the second year for the Taste event and estimates were that attendance doubled over last year.

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