Lions Activate DE Austin Bryant From IR

One of several Clemson defensive linemen drafted this year, Austin Bryant is in line to make his NFL debut. The Lions activated Bryant from IR on Wednesday.

The defensive end will take the roster spot of fullback Nick Bawden, whom the Lions placed on IR. A foot injury will shelve Bawden.

Bryant joined first-rounders Clelin Ferrell, Christian Wilkins and Dexter Lawrence on Clemson’s loaded D-line last season. Despite registering 17 sacks and 30.5 tackles for loss last season, Bryant fell to the fourth round. The rookie suffered a torn pectoral muscle last November but played through it. He did not undergo surgery until January, affecting his stock somewhat. But the Lions will soon see what they have in the two-time national champion defender.

This will be Bawden’s second straight season on IR. The 2018 seventh-round pick missed all of last season because of an ACL tear. He played sparingly this season but served as the team’s fullback.

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