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The Detroit Lions made another surprising cut on Saturday afternoon. According to Michael Rothstein of ESPN, the Lions have parted ways with offensive tackle Michael Ola.
Ola joined the team in the middle of the 2015 season when the Lions desperately needed help at tackle. He started seven games for the team at right tackle and played solid in relief duty.
Ola seemed to enter the 2016 year as a prime candidate to be the team’s backup tackle once the Lions used a first-round draft pick on Taylor Decker. However, Ola suffered an injury three weeks ago and did not return to practice before cut day.
One option the Lions have at backup tackle is rookie Joe Dahl, who got reps at left tackle in the Lions’ final preseason game against the Buffalo Bills. This move could also come as good news to youngster Cornelius Lucas, who had claimed backup duties while Ola and Corey Robinson were injured.
UPDATE: Justin Rogers confirms Lucas is safe:
As Michael hints in his follow-up tweet, good news for Lucas. A source has indicated to me he's safe. https://t.co/z3Nrrs1A0p
— Justin Rogers (@Justin_Rogers) September 3, 2016