Lions guard Rodney Austin has something extra to be thankful for on Thursday.
The Lions announced Tuesday that Austin has been promoted from the practice squad to the active roster ahead of the Thanksgiving Day game against the Bears. The Lions released tight end Kellen Davis to make room for Austin.
Austin’s arrival comes at a moment when the Lions have a pair of starting offensive linemen dealing with injuries. Right guard Larry Warford has missed the last two games with a knee injury and isn’t expected back this week. Left tackle Riley Reiff hurt his knee on the first play of the loss to the Patriots and has missed the first two days of practice this week.
Rookie Travis Swanson has been filling in for Warford and Cornelius Lucas took over for Reiff last Sunday, leaving the Lions in need of the depth that Austin will provide.
