The NFL is expected to discipline Ndamukong Suh sometime in the next day for his Thanksgiving stomp of Packers offensive lineman Evan Dietrich-Smith, and if the punishment includes a suspension as expected, the Lions’ depth will best tested on their defensive line. Rookie first-round pick Nick Fairley, who has played as Suh’s backup when healthy, is the leading candidate to replace Suh in the starting lineup alongside Corey Williams at tackle. Fairley missed the first four games this year with a fractured foot and another in late-October when the injury flared up, but Fairley has played his best football of late. He had three tackles in a Week 11 win over the Panthers and a good down-field stop on a swing pass after Suh was ejected against the Packers. Fairley has yet to show the pass-rushing skills that made him the 13th overall pick, and neither of the Lions’ other backup tackles -- Sammie Hill and Andre Fluellen -- can get to the quarterback like Suh. Source: Sporting News
