ALLEN PARK, Mich. — Detroit defensive tackle Nick Fairley took one significant step toward returning from his knee injury when he practiced with the Lions.

Fairley hasn't played since injuring his right knee in a win over Atlanta on Oct. 26. The Lions open the playoffs at Dallas on Sunday.

The Lions listed Fairley as limited. Coach Jim Caldwell said earlier in the week it would be a “miracle” if Fairley could play this weekend, but Fairley looked trim and active during the portion of practice open to reporters.

CLEVELAND — LeBron James' homecoming season has hit a hurdle.The Cavaliers superstar is expected to miss at least the next two weeks with injuries to his left knee and back. The timing of the injuries are another blow to the Cavaliers, who have been jarred by a rash of medical issues and failed to live up to the enormous expectations triggered by James re-signing as a free agent with Cleveland last summer.The team said James has been diagnosed with knee and back strains.

NEW YORK — LeBron James and Stephen Curry remain the leading NBA All-Star vote-getters after the second tally of fan ballots.Cleveland's James leads all with 775,810 votes at the Eastern Conference frontcourt spot. Golden State's Curry has 755,486, good for second in the league and tops among the Western Conference guards.

NEW YORK — The New York Yankees bolstered their bullpen by acquiring David Carpenter and Chasen Shreve in a trade with the Atlanta Braves.Carpenter went 6-4 with three saves and a 3.54 ERA in 65 games with Atlanta last year. Shreve made his major league debut in July and allowed one earned run in 12 1-3 innings.