Lions activate DE Armonty Bryant, OL Brandon Thomas from PUP list

As the Detroit Lions inch towards their first preseason game, they are getting closer to a healthy 90-man roster. On Monday, the team announced that both defensive end Armonty Bryant and offensive lineman Brandon Thomas have been activated from the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list.

Just a few months ago, Bryant was coming into 2017 with high expectations from fans. He showed a little promise last year between injuries and suspensions, but has unfortunately dealt with both again this year. Bryant is just now finally recovering from the injury that ended his 2016 season early, but another violation of the league’s substance abuse policy has landed him a four-game suspension from the NFL.

Bryant is already behind having missed the first week of camp, and with that suspension looming, he’ll have to prove he’s worth the wait. The Lions could use his help, as both Cornelius Washington and Ezekiel Ansah have sat out the majority of training camp with injuries of their own.

Thomas was acquired via a trade with the San Francisco 49ers last offseason. Though he failed to make the team, he spent all of 2016 on Detroit’s practice squad. He was later signed to a reserve/future contract, and figures to be a part of the Lions’ competition on the interior offensive line. At just 26 years old, the former third-round pick still has some potential, but has an uphill battle to make the final roster.

Here is an updated look at the Lions’ injury list:

PUP list:

• DE Ezekiel Ansah
• T Taylor Decker
• T Corey Robinson

NFI list:

• P Sam Martin