The Detroit Lions are dealing with a case of deja vu regarding defensive end Austin Bryant. 

Bryant, 24, will start training camp on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list for the second straight season. Undoubtedly, this should be a concern for the Lions. And for a good reason too. Out of 32 games in his first two seasons, Bryant has only been available for ten of them.

In 2019, he finished the season playing only four games, starting the season on injured reserve. And as already mentioned, Bryant began training camp on the PUP list. Additionally, Bryant hasn’t seen on-field action until November the past two years.

Because of this, he doesn’t have jaw-dropping stats. 

Bryant has tallied 25 combined tackles (14 of them solo), two quarterback hits, and zero sacks to date. Now, the “little injury” that Dan Campbell said he had several weeks ago is rearing its ugly head. And remember, Campbell said the expectation was for Bryant to be available for training camp.

Dating back to his Clemson days, Bryant has routinely battled health issues. In 2016, he missed the first six games of his sophomore season after suffering a fifth metatarsal fracture on his foot.

Without a doubt, Bryant’s goal heading into this season was to make the final roster. Nevertheless, he finds himself in yet the same unfortunate position. And his future in Detroit could be in jeopardy.

The best ability is availability. 

And once again, Austin Bryant will begin a training camp or season unavailable to the Lions.

Austin Bryant is not the only Detroit Lions player out before training camp.

In addition to Austin Bryant, the Detroit Lions announced several more players to the sidelines. The Lions placed rookie WR Javon McKinley on the active/Non-Football Injury (NFI) list. Additionally, rookie guard Evan Heim is now on the reserve/COVID-19 list.