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The first domino has fallen in the battle for roster spots on the interior of the offensive line with the Detroit Lions releasing offensive guard Rodney Austin, according to Chris McCosky.
Austin showed serious promise with the Lions last summer as an undrafted free agent, but there wasn't room for him on the 53-man roster. As a result, he spent 2012 on the practice squad, and he returned this year with his sights set on making the team. He appeared to be in position to do just that when training camp opened, but clearly the Lions have opted to go with veterans instead as the backups for the interior of the offensive line.
As long as he clears waivers, Austin should once again end up on the practice squad, and maybe he will even end up on the 53-man roster at some point before 2013 is over.
It will be interesting to see which two of Dylan Gandy, Jake Scott and Leroy Harris ended up making the Lions' 53-man roster.