The Detroit Lions could have a big defensive presence ahead of their divisional round playoff game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday.
According to Myles Simmons of Pro Football Talk, the Lions announced that they have activated linebacker James Houston from the injured reserve list. Houston missed most of the season after breaking his fibula in Week 2 and hasn’t played since. He had a hit in his short time on the field. “I’m ready to go there,” Houston said this week, via Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press .
“Looks like fun. “I want to be there because they’re winning and the whole city is behind them.”Houston, who played college football at the University of Florida and Jackson State University, was selected by the Lions in the sixth round of the 2022 NFL Draft.He began his rookie season on Detroit’s practice squad and wasn’t added to the active roster until late November.
The 25-year-old played in just seven games, but showed impressive pass rush ability with eight sacks, 12 tackles, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery in that span.The Lions struggled at quarterback this season without Houston, finishing third-bottom in the NFL with just 41 sacks on the year.
Of course, just because Houston is activated doesn’t mean he’ll play against the Buccaneers, but his availability is big news for Detroit’s defense.The Lions defeated the Los Angeles Rams in the wild-card round of the playoffs last weekend.
