DT Bruce Hector reportedly cut by Detroit Lions after starting preseason finale

ALLEN PARK — Defensive tackle Bruce Hector was right on the bubble heading into the preseason finale. So the Detroit Lions let him star in Pittsburgh over the weekend, and gave him a long look against the Steelers’ starting offensive line to win a job.

He didn’t do it. The Lions are releasing Hector, according to the Detroit Free Press.

That could mean good news for other bubble players fighting for spots behind Alim McNeill and Michael Brockers on the defensive interior. Isaiah Buggs has played well on the nose, while Jashon Cornell flashed earlier in the summer and Demetrius Taylor has been the strongest undrafted rookie in camp.

A lot could depend on the health of Levi Onwuzurike, a former second-round pick who is dealing with more back/hip pain. He hasn’t practiced in weeks and could miss the opener against Philadelphia.

Live tracker: Follow along as the Detroit Lions another NFL teams make their cuts to 53

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