ALLEN PARK, Mich. — So, what’s next, Suh?

The Detroit Lions received good news Tuesday when appeals officer Ted Cottrell reduced Ndamukong Suh’s punishment for stepping on Aaron Rodgers from a one-game suspension to a $70,000 fine. Without Suh, the Lions had little chance against the Dallas Cowboys’ No. 2-ranked rushing offense.

With the All-Pro defensive tackle in the game, the Lions’ No. 1 rushing defense will have all the same pieces that were present for the previous eight games.

The question remains, though, whether Sunday’s game will be Suh’s last with the Lions. Suh is set to become a rare unrestricted free agent who is in the prime of his career.

On Wednesday, Suh had no interest in talking about his future or the punishment in his first media address since last Wednesday.

“Good afternoon,” he said in an opening statement. “I’m glad to be back and absolutely looking forward to this playoff game, and I think that’s most important. I’m here to talk about Dallas and our preparation for that.”

Asked about the suspension and the appeals process, Suh repeatedly responded with something in the same vein.

“I’m ready to focus on Dallas and get ready for that game,” he said, answering similarly to eight questions.

All together, Suh responded to nine questions with “next question,” most of which were about either his future or his past transgressions that stripped him of any benefit of a doubt in the Rodgers step.

Lions coach Jim Caldwell, who initially said the step was inadvertent before seeing it Sunday, defended Suh when pressed about how to prevent further incidents that could result in punishment.

“I can only tell you that since I’ve been here with him, the guy has been solid and he’s been good and he listens and he tries to do the right thing, plain and simple,” Caldwell said.

Regardless of what happened or how it happened, the Lions can now be much more confident as they prepare for a Cowboys team that ranks fifth in scoring at 29.2 points per game and seventh in total yardage.

“I’m not certain that we’ve seen a more complete team,” Caldwell said Monday in his weekly press conference. “Just in terms of how explosive they are, (quarterback Tony Romo) is certainly a strong MVP candidate; so is (running back DeMarco) Murray. They’ve been able to run the ball extremely well, and they’ve been lighting it up on the outside.

“Dez Bryant is setting record after record in terms of touchdown catches. They have one of the best tight ends in the business. They have an offensive line that’s incredible in terms of what they’ve been able to accomplish.”

The Lions’ offense will have to show up, too, after averaging just 18.7 points the last three games. With the Cowboys missing injured defensive tackle Henry Melton, that challenge will be easier. And to aid a Detroit offense that ranks 19th in the NFL, the Lions’ defense will have to be as stout as it has been all year.

“Buckle your chin straps tight, it’s going to be one of those hard-hitting football games and be very physical, and we’re taking that mindset,” Detroit strong safety James Ihedigbo said. “The way they run the ball and the way we stop the run. It’s going to be that type of matchup.”

SERIES HISTORY: 26th meeting, including postseason. The Cowboys lead the regular-season series 12-11, and the postseason series is tied 1-1. The Lions won the only postseason matchup in the Super Bowl era against the Cowboys in the 1991 season, a 38-6 decision in the divisional round at the Pontiac Silverdome.

NOTES: Among those missing practice Wednesday were defensive tackle Nick Fairley (knee), who may play Sunday, and right guard Larry Warford (knee). … Wide receiver Calvin Johnson (ankle) was limited. … Offensive tackle Joe Long was added to the practice squad. … Center Dominic Raiola, back from a one-game suspension, will start Sunday.