The Detroit Lions may have to wait a little longer for their outstanding edge rusher to return.
On December 26, head coach Dan Campbell intimated that second-year pass rusher James Houston was on the verge of returning from injured reserve, with the team planning to start his 21-day practice window this week.
However, Campbell retracted his forecast the next day, stating that it could be another week before he can begin training with teammates.
Lions Waiting for James Houston’s Return
On Tuesday’s episode of 97.1 The Ticket, Campbell indicated there was a “good chance” Houston was ready to return to practice and have the team open his 21-day practice window, allowing him to rejoin the active roster.
Campbell clarified his earlier statement on Wednesday, indicating that it wouldn’t be until the final week of the season when Houston returns from injured reserve.
Houston, we no longer have a problem? Lions coach Dan Campbell tells 97.1 there's a good chance the team starts the edge rusher's practice clock this week: https://t.co/27mkled86T
— Justin Rogers | Detroit News (@Justin_Rogers) December 26, 2023
“We might wait another week,” Campbell mentioned, as reported by Pride of Detroit on X.
Houston has been sidelined since suffering a broken fibula during a Week 2 loss to the Seattle Seahawks and was subsequently placed on injured reserve. In discussions with reporters earlier in December, Houston noted that he was progressing through the latter stages of his rehabilitation cautiously.
“I’m probably in the last phase of the rehab, so yeah, it’s a crucial stage for me to ensure everything is in order, mentally and physically, and I receive clearance from everyone,” Houston stated via SI.com. “There’s nothing I can’t do, it’s just a matter of how these things progress in the healing process.”
Lions Face Unanswered Questions on 2nd-Year Edge Rusher
In the 2022 season’s final stretch, Houston displayed his prowess by recording 8.0 sacks in seven games, finishing on a strong note. Looking ahead to the 2023 season, he expressed his aspiration to double his sack count but expressed uncertainty about his specific role within the team.
In an interview with the Detroit Free Press during the offseason, Houston emphasized the importance of finding a way onto the field. He noted similarities between the previous season and the current situation, where there seemed to be uncertainty regarding his position.
Viewing this uncertainty as an opportunity, Houston aimed to be versatile and adaptable across various roles within the team. He highlighted the desire to be more than a one-dimensional player, emphasizing his willingness to function as a flexible asset for the team’s benefit.
However, Houston’s impact in the current season has been limited, participating in only two games and registering just one tackle along with one quarterback hit.
The Detroit Lions secured the NFC North title following their Week 16 victory over the Minnesota Vikings. As they head into Week 17, they find themselves tied with the San Francisco 49ers and Philadelphia Eagles, all possessing an 11-4 record. Despite this, the Lions currently hold a lower position in the playoff standings due to tiebreaker scenarios against both conference rivals.
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