Fairley (knee) returned to practice Thursday, Mlive.com reports. Coach Jim Caldwell said earlier this week that Fairley would need a "miracle" to play Sunday against the Cowboys, but the defensive tackle's return to practice Thursday offers a glimmer of hope on that front. Perhaps a more realistic scenario for Fairley -- who last suited up in Week 8 -- would be a return to action in the second round of the playoffs, should the Lions advance past Dallas this weekend.