When the Detroit Lions first revealed their undrafted rookie class of 2020, Hunter Bryant was a popular favorite to be the most likely to make the 53-man roster. An undersized (6-2, 239) receiving-oriented tight end from Washington, Bryant offered the right promise of upside and ability at a position of weakness in Detroit.
Bryant earned some early praise from head coach Matt Patricia.
“I think, obviously, there’s a great deal that he does well in the passing game, and we’ve been able to see a little bit of that,” Patricia said in August. “And I think he’s done an outstanding job first and foremost of just taking advantage of his opportunity with maybe some of the other things that have gone on. And he’s gotten out there with some of those groups and has really just done a great job.”
Alas, Bryant’s strong start and chances of making the roster have been hamstrung by a hamstring injury. The rookie has not practiced since August 22nd and remains out with just two full days to go before the roster cutdown is due.
Coach Patricia initially left Bryant off his list of limited participants or those sitting out Wednesday’s practice. He was unusually (for Patricia) short on words when asked specifically about Bryant later in his Zoom press conference.
