ALLEN PARK – The Detroit Lions are getting closer to getting some key pieces back for this weekend’s big showdown with the Buffalo Bills.

Trevor Nowaske was the only player absent from Thursday’s practice. The linebacker was spotted yesterday at the open viewing party working with the coaches as the team continued to practice and was not there the next day.

Nowaske has played a ton of snaps this season, filling a key role as the team was missing four of its top five linebackers since the start of the season. The former Saginaw Valley State star played 32 snaps in last week’s win over the Green Bay Packers, second only to Jack Campbell in that department.

Ezekiel Turner (17), Kwon Alexander (17), David Long (16) and Jamal Adams (eight) helped round out the rest of the linebacker rotation. Alexander and Adams were making their team debuts, while Turner and Long are recent additions who have also made the most of the increased opportunities.

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DJ Reader (shoulder) was also back, with what appeared to be an increased workload. The Lions said the veteran interior defender was not practicing Wednesday, so they are easing him back into action.

Left tackle Taylor Decker (knee) and defensive linemen Josh Paschal (knee) and Levi Onwuzurike (hamstring) also returned for the second straight day.

Decker said the team has played it safe with his injury in recent weeks. But he expected to be ready for action after missing two straight games.

“For me. Personally, I think I should be good to go. But you know, let smart guys do smart guy stuff (coaches),” Decker said Wednesday. “I feel much, much better.

“I feel pretty confident in this one. Just kind of progress to see how the week is going.

Update: Nowaske is suffering from a concussion, according to the training report. He was the only player not to participate in Thursday’s practice, as reported.

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