Article: Detroit Lions' Larry Warford out, Nick Fairley doubtful for playoff opener

[perrykemp]

ALLEN PARK -- If the Detroit Lions want to beat the Dallas Cowboys in the opening round of the playoffs, it starts with winning the battle in the trenches. The Lions will likely have to do that without two of their better linemen, one on each side of the ball.

Detroit has officially ruled out Larry Warford for the contest. The guard injured his right knee in the season finale against the Green Bay Packers and was unable to practice this week.

It is expected rookie Travis Swanson will get the start at right guard, his fourth at that spot and fifth overall.

Unlike Warford, defensive tackle Nick Fairley did practice this week, working in a limited capacity both Thursday and Friday. Still, he's listed as doubtful against the Cowboys.

On Monday, coach Jim Caldwell said it would take a miracle for Fairley to return from the knee injury that's sidelined him since Oct. 26, but Caldwell seemed to soften his stance as the week wore on.

Read the rest here: http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ss..._larry_warford_ou_1.html#incart_most-comments

 

[fifaguy]

Them's the breaks.,,

 

[DFWJC]

For some reason, I thought Doug Free was playing.
Oh well.

Sure hope Crawford can rally.

 

[Staubacher]

I thought Free was supposed to be ready for playoffs

 

[ragman]

Fairley is playing for a few plays on Sunday. He practiced yesterday.

 

[cowboys1981]

Not having Warford is a big loss for them.

 

[xwalker]

Not having Warford is a big loss for them.

I pulled up their game from last week to see Warford's replacement. He managed to stay between the QB and the defender in Pass Pro but was easily bull rushed. He didn't appear to offer much in the way of run blocking.

 

[TrailBlazer]

Travis Swanson is from my Alma mater. Good player. Bret Bielema said he was the best CENTER he ever coached. Which obviously he coached frederick, too. He will be playing guard in this game. Found that interesting. Losing Warford is a big loss, no doubt.

 

[ActualCowboysFan]

I pulled up their game from last week to see Warford's replacement. He managed to stay between the QB and the defender in Pass Pro but was easily bull rushed. He didn't appear to offer much in the way of run blocking.

Their replacement last week won't be the replacement this week. Last week Garrett Reynolds played at G because Swanson was already filling in for their suspended C.

Edit: not sure if you were talking about Swanson or Reynolds.