Falcons vs. Lions injury report: Louis Delmas returns to practice Thursday

After joining injured tight end Brandon Pettigrew on the sidelines to open the week, Detroit Lions defensive back Louis Delmas returned to the practice field in a limited capacity on Thursday.

Delmas was one of four Lions players to practice with a limited distinction on Thursday according to the team's official injury report, but took a big step in his bid to play for the second consecutive week. Limited to a mere six games this season due to complications from offseason knee surgery, Delmas was one of two Detroit safeties listed on the injury report along with Don Carey.

A number of key offensive players also continue to deal with injuries for head coach Jim Schwartz to close out the year, as both Calvin Johnson and Mikel Leshoure were limited for the second straight day. Pettigrew, who is likely to miss his second straight game this weekend, once again sat out with an ankle injury but was the only Lions player who was unable to participate: