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Lions coach Matt Patricia praises A'Shawn Robinson despite benching

Allen Park — Before the New York Jets pounced all over the Detroit Lions in the season-opener Monday night, the first surprise of the night came 90 minutes before kickoff, when the Lions announced former second-round pick A'Shawn Robinson was among the team's inactives.

Robinson isn't hurt. This was a healthy scratch, and given Detroit's lack of defensive line talent and depth, it marked a bottom of a stunning slide down the depth chart for Robinson, who began the offseason as a projected starter.

After the evening's more-pressing issues were addressed following the 48-17 loss, Lions coach Matt Patricia was asked why Robinson didn't suit up.