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The Detroit Lions have made a change to their 53-man roster by signing offensive guard Rodney Austin from the practice squad. Austin was added on Wednesday afternoon, and the Lions released defensive end Austen Lane to make room for him.
Austin has been with the Lions since signing as an undrafted free agent in 2012. He spent last season on the practice squad, and he was back on the practice squad this year after being let go during the final round of cuts. Why did the Lions suddenly decide to promote him to the active roster? It seems that another team -- reportedly the Tennessee Titans -- was trying to sign him:
Also, Lions signed OG Rodney Austin off the practice squad. Presumably, Austin had an offer to sign elsewhere. Lions want to keep him.
— Dave Birkett (@davebirkett) November 27, 2013
Lane joined the Lions earlier this month as extra depth at defensive end when Ziggy Ansah was out with an injury. With Ansah back, Lane became expendable.
