Keyunta

Dawson

The Lions were granted a roster exemption during Ndamukong Suh’s suspension. Dawson, who was with the Lions in camp, can play both end and tackle. He’ll provide depth with DE Lawrence Jackson (thigh) still nagging.

The Lions’ formidable defensive line is healthy while their secondary is really banged up. Dawson had one tackle in two games with the Lions since signing on in late November.

The hamstring injury Dawson sustained in Week 3 sounds like it was of the Grade 3 variety. The Titans didn’t want to tie up a roster spot for him, so he’s gone and Pannel Egboh is in as a rotational end.

A rotational end, Dawson has played fewer than 20 percent of the defensive snaps through three games. He could be a candidate for injured reserve.

Dawson appeared in just three games last season before landing on injured reserve with a hamstring injury. He made three tackles, but Tennessee liked Dawson’s preseason work that saw him register seven tackles and three sacks. He won’t make anything more than the minimum on his next contract.

Dawson lasted just three games last season before a severe hamstring pull landed him on injured reserve. He’s back as pass-rushing depth behind Kam Wimbley and Derrick Morgan. Dawson did have three sacks in the preseason a year ago.

It clears a roster spot for QB Rusty Smith, who was promoted from the practice squad to back up Ryan Fitzpatrick in the wake of Jake Locker’s hip injury.

Dawson played just over 100 snaps for the Saints in 2013, recording three tackles, a half-sack, and one forced fumble. Going on age 29, Dawson will compete for a roster spot in training camp. His versatility gives him a boost.

Dawson is another speedy, undersized defensive end to add to the Colts collection. He has a long way to go before cracking the playing rotation.

The Colts originally wanted Pitcock to play the three technique and rush the passer, but he’ll have to occupy blockers as a nose. Fellow rook Keyunta Dawson, Darrell Reid, and Dan Klecko are also in the mix. This figures to be a big problem area for what projects again to be a poor Indy run defense.