Lions Austin Bryant ready to put injury history in the past after strong finish to preseason – MLive.com

DETROIT -- Austin Bryant has played only 10 games in the two seasons since the Detroit Lions took him in the fourth round, struggling to get or stay on the field, failing to make much of a lasting impact.

The versatile defender has always been an interesting mix of athleticism and length off the edge, switching to outside linebacker in first-year defensive coordinator Aaron Glenns scheme. Bryant had two tackles in Detroits preseason finale against the Indianapolis Colts, breaking into the backfield and pocket on a couple of occasions. He nearly had a sack on third down in the loss, saying he beat his guy with a clean move in the trenches and that next time I just have to make it.

Bryant spent time on injured reserve for pectoral injuries in each of his two seasons, missing additional time with a thigh ailment in 2020. Hes missed 22 games while playing only 10, putting him in an interesting situation with a staff and front office that didnt draft him, all while trying to adjust to a new scheme. The Lions have to be at 53 players by Aug. 31, down from their current standing of 80.

I just wanted to get better, Bryant said. You all know my story, a battle with injuries. Just really grateful and blessed to be healthy right now and being able to have a chance to help this team under a new staff. Im just excited, and hopefully I just got a little bit better today and to continue that for the rest of the year.

Bryant has been back on the practice field most of the last month, showing signs of progress along the way. He had a couple of sessions with multiple sacks, doing his best to carve a role in a room of edge defenders featuring Trey Flowers, Romeo Okwara, Julian Okwara and Charles Harris. While his numbers through the preseason wont blow anyone away, Bryant was relentless with his effort through those opportunities, truly looking like someone starved of football at times.

Bryant played 35 defensive snaps in Pittsburgh after logging 18 in the opener against Buffalo. He had two tackles against the Colts, adding another pair in Pittsburgh and two tackles against the Bills. The final tally from Fridays finale isnt available yet, but Bryant was out there for a fair amount of time, drawing reps with the first-team defense.

I got a chance to holistically get better, from the weight room to the field, without having to worry about a rehab process or anything like that, Bryant previously said. Thats been awesome for me. Been able to dedicate a lot of time to perfecting my craft and being the player that I want to be. So now that I finally get to showcase it and show people what I already know about myself, thats been the most fulfilling thing.

Lions coach Dan Campbell was recently asked about any players that were different than he expected when he was first hired. He pointed to fullback Jason Cabinda, safety C.J. Moore and Bryant as those to impress or change his first impressions.

I think Austin Bryant, now he was hurt last year, but I know this, this guy was all out, all of the time the plays that he did play, but to watch him being here and get his feet back under him and get the reps, get the load, hes been pretty impressive, Campbell said. I think this guys really got a high ceiling and can continue to grow. I think hes even twitchier than I thought he was. Those would be three pretty good examples.

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Lions Austin Bryant ready to put injury history in the past after strong finish to preseason - MLive.com