ALLEN PARK — Nick Fairley and Larry Warford are still progressing but on different tracks, according to Lions coach Jim Caldwell at his Monday presser.

“It’s obvious to say they’re getting better, how rapidly remains to be seen,’’ Caldwell said. “I think they’re on two different levels.’’

Still Caldwell kept his answer the same as it's been for week when asked if he expects Fairley to play again this season.

"Not real certain, to be honest with you,'' Caldwell said.

Fairley injured his knee in the game at Atlanta on Oct. 26 and has not played or practiced since. In the four games he has missed, C.J. Mosley has started.

Warford has missed three games with a knee injury. He has started running, but said last week the timetable remains indefinite depending on his progress.

— Caldwell said the Lions have not considered signing running back Ray Rice now that he’s been cleared by the NFL. Caldwell knows Rice from their days together with the Ravens.

— The Lions play the 2-10 Tampa Bay Bucs on Sunday. Caldwell said there is not much difference between a 4-8 team in the NFL and one that is 8-4. He said Lions who have watched film already, agree that the Bucs present a challenge.

— The players had the long weekend off after their 34-17 win over the Bears on Thanksgiving.  They returned Monday. “They did get a chance to rest their bodies a little bit, we got that stuff out of our system in terms of the last game. I think the guys played pretty well and we’re going to have to improve a lot more obviously before this week’s challenges are presented to us,’’ Caldwell said. “Our preparation this week is going to be extremely important.’’

— After watching film of rookie offensive linemen Cornelius Lucas and Travis Swanson, Caldwell said overall both guys “hung in there.”