Nick Fairley disagrees with Jim Caldwell's fitness prediction

Detroit Lions defensive tackle Nick Fairley has admitted that he is optimistic of returning to action before the end of the campaign.

The 26-year-old has missed the last four games with a sprained knee, and his coach Jim Caldwell has expressed doubt that he will make a comeback before the season is over.

Fairley however, sees it differently, and has stated that although he is taking his recovery one day at a time, he will pull on a Lions jersey again in 2014.

He told reporters: "Right now I'm taking it one day at a time.

"I'm just trying to strengthen my knee up as strong as I can so I can hopefully get back out there this year.

"In my eyes, yes [that is a real possibility]."

Despite Caldwell doubting his ability to return, he has been impressed by Fairley's ability to keep his weight down since sustaining the problem.