Damon Harrison Returns To Practice As Lions D-Line Begins To Mend

Snacks is officially ready to go. 

After spending the first few weeks of training camp on the Non-Football Injury list following his contract dispute, Damon Harrison was activated Thursday and will take part in his first practice. 

OFFICIAL: We have taken Damon Harrison Sr. off the NFI list. pic.twitter.com/JPWhMupHbB

His return to action is a welcome sign for a Lions defense that's seen several key players sidelined during camp.

Trey Flowers and Mike Daniels have yet to practice, while Da'Shawn Hand is out with an arm injury, A'Shawn Robinson is away from the team for personal matters and fourth-round pick Austin Bryant is dealing with an arm injury of his own. 

The Lions have the makings of a fearsome defensive front, assuming those players are ready to go for the start of the season. 

Harrison is arguably the most important among them. His arrival midway through last season completely altered Detroit's run defense. The 30-year-old fills rushing lanes unlike almost anyone in the NFL. 

Harrison skipped OTAs and minicamp this spring in an effort to secure an extension. He wasn't in practice shape when he reported to training camp, but he's officially cleared that hurdle. 

The Lions are in Houston this week for joint practices with the Texans, before their preseason game Saturday night. It remains to be seen how much Harrison will be involved.