The Sports Xchange

Offensive guard Rodney Austin was released by the Detroit Lions on Tuesday, four days after he was arrested and charged with assault on a female, assault on a child under 12, misdemeanor larceny and interfering with emergency communication in North Carolina.

Austin, posted bail bonds totaling $4,250 for the four charges, and has a June 5 court date in Mecklenberg County District Court.

The Lions did not comment on the transaction Tuesday morning.

Undrafted out of Elon College, Austin was a member of the Lions for three seasons, going from the practice squad to the active roster multiple times.

The interior offensive line was already a pressing need for the Lions.

According to NFLDraftScout.com, the Lions could take an offensive linemen with their first pick, 23rd overall, next Thursday.

The Lions haven’t endorsed Riley Reiff as the franchise left tackle moving forward, and it’s clear the team hopes to upgrade that spot. Coach Jim Caldwell said he’s confident Reiff can play right tackle, and moving him would give the Lions stability at that spot after two years of relying on three different players.

Unless the Lions take someone in the first round, they’re unlikely to find an improvement over Reiff, but they could still take a right tackle with LaAdrian Waddle potentially missing the start of the season after tearing his ACL in December.