TE Joseph Fauria feeling good, could return vs. Falcons

Allen Park — Because of a rash of injuries, the Lions are in flux at the tight end position, but could be closer to getting one of their regular players back soon.

Joseph Fauria, who has missed the last four games because of an ankle injury that he said happened at home when he was chasing his puppy, is starting to work out. It's unclear if he'd be able to play this week, but he is making the trip to London for Sunday's game against the Falcons.

Lions coach Jim Caldwell said earlier Monday that not all of the injured players would be making the trip, only the ones who had a chance of playing.

"Wednesday (will be) four weeks, so I'm pretty optimistic, hoping I can progress a little more this week," Fauria said. "I listen to my body and I listen to my coaches and just be proactive with communicating with them.

"I went out there today and did a little run and a little cutting stuff, nothing too crazy — that was my first time trying to run. As of right now, I'm going to keep taking steps forward; I don't want to take any steps back and make it worse."

Along with Fauria, rookie Eric Ebron (hamstring) missed the Saints game and Brandon Pettigrew suffered a leg injury during the game; the only other healthy tight end was Jordan Thompson, who was signed from the practice squad on Saturday. The Lions signed free agent Kellen Davis on Monday, but if Fauria can return soon, he'll be an added bonus.

"I'm trying to be smart about it and all the trainers and strength coaches are being proactive with it and making good decisions right now," he said. "It's feeling pretty good."

Rod.Beard@detroitnews.com

Twitter.com/detnewsRodBeard