On December 5, the Detroit Lions faced another setback as defensive tackle Alim McNeill was placed on injured reserve, with the earliest potential return being the regular season finale. However, there is positive news on the injury front for the Lions, with linebacker James Houston showing promising signs of returning before Week 18.
James Houston, a 25-year-old linebacker, has been sidelined since Week 2 after breaking a fibula on special teams. While he has only played nine NFL games, the impact of the rookie has been significant. In his seven games as a rookie last season, Houston recorded 8 sacks, 7 tackles for loss, and 11 quarterback hits, showcasing his ability to influence the game.
Houston expressed optimism about his return timeline, stating, “It’s looking like the timeline is before the playoffs; I should be able to get some games in.” His potential return is eagerly awaited by the Lions, who have missed his defensive prowess and playmaking abilities.
The linebacker’s absence has been keenly felt by the Lions, especially considering the high expectations surrounding him after a remarkable second half of the 2022 season. Paired with second-year defensive end Aidan Hutchinson, the Lions aimed to enhance their ability to pressure quarterbacks. However, injuries have limited Houston to just 32 defensive snaps this season.
Houston believes in his capacity to be a game-changer on the field, emphasizing his explosive playing style that can contribute to pass rushes, sacks, forced fumbles, and interceptions. His return could provide a significant boost to the Lions’ defense, which currently ranks 27th in sacks and is tied for 23rd in takeaways.
The linebacker’s impact was evident from his NFL debut last season, where he recorded 2 sacks on just 5 defensive snaps. In the latter part of the 2022 season, he contributed 6 sacks in six games, aiding the Lions in finishing with a 5-1 record.
Alongside Houston, the Lions are also anticipating the potential return of defensive back C.J. Gardner-Johnson, who has been hyping his own comeback on social media. While Gardner-Johnson hinted at a potential return date of December 20, head coach Dan Campbell expressed some skepticism, joking that the player might need mutant genes like Wolverine to return that soon.
Houston, while not specifying a return date, hinted at coming back to contribute in “some games” before the playoffs. Reading between the lines, it suggests that Houston could aim for a return, at the latest, against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 17, with the Lions concluding the regular season against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 18.
The potential return of impact players like Houston and Gardner-Johnson before the postseason could be crucial for the Lions, providing a significant lift to their defense and influencing the outcome of their season. Houston expressed excitement about the prospect, emphasizing the positive impact they could bring to the team. The Lions, under the guidance of coach Aaron Glenn, look forward to the return of these high-level players for the final stretch of the regular season and potentially beyond.
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