Can Lions DB Bryant stay healthy?

By Krupka  |   Wednesday, June 28, 2006  |  Comments( 0 )

Detroit Lions
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When the Detroit Lions inked defensive back Fernando Bryant to a six-year contract in March 2004, the organization thought they were filling an important need in the secondary. They hoped the former 26th overall pick in 1999 by the Jacksonville Jaguars would be the cover corner they desperately needed. Unfortunately, in his first two seasons he has yet to live up to his advanced billing.

Since joining the Lions, he has often been part of a list nobody wants to be on. That list is the Injury Report, and more importantly, he was listed under the title, "out." In his first season with the team, he suffered an ankle injury which forced him to miss six games.

This past season, a collision with teammate Kenoy Kennedy on a 28-yard touchdown reception by Chicago Bears receiver Muhsin Muhammad in Week Two effectively ended his season. The injury was a dislocated left shoulder, and he was placed on injured reserve soon after. Without question, two seasons and just 12 games played is cause for concern in Detroit.

Prior to joining the team, Bryant was very durable. In five seasons with the Jaguars he missed only eight games, six of which were in 2001. During his stay in Jacksonville, the 29-year-old made a name for himself amongst the NFL circle, for his sound cover skills, and propensity to break up passes. He was unheralded, but that doesn't denounce the fact that he was terrific.

The seven-year veteran has registered 354 tackles and five interceptions in his career.

Has Bryant's ever-increasing age caught up with him, or is it just two unlucky instances that have slowed him the past two seasons? Considering he's not yet 30 years of age, there is no reason to believe that the injuries he's been plagued him the past couple of seasons are anything but anomalies. Coming off shoulder surgery, the task at hand for the 5-10, 175-pounder is to reclaim the starting job, and show the coaching staff that he is, indeed, healthy.

Look for 2006 to potentially be the "return" of Fernando Bryant. If the former Alabama star can't regain form this year, he likely never will.

Eric Krupka can be reached at ekrupka@realfootball365.com

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