The Detroit Lions could be getting a big-time defensive lift for their Divisional Round playoff matchup with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this Sunday.
Per Myles Simmons of Pro Football Talk, the Lions have announced that they have activated linebacker James Houston from the injured reserve list.
Houston has been sidelined for the majority of the season, as he fractured his fibula all the way back in Week 2 and has not played since. He logged one tackle during his short time on the field.
“I’m ready to get out there,” Houston said this week, via Dave Birkett of The Detroit Free Press. “It looks like fun. They’re winning and the whole city is behind them, so I want to be out there.”
Houston, who played his collegiate football at both the University of Florida and Jackson State, was selected by the Lions in the sixth round of the 2022 NFL Draft.
He began his rookie campaign on Detroit’s practice squad and was not elevated on to the active roster until the end of November.
The 25-year-old ended up playing in just seven games, but during that time, he exhibited terrific pass-rushing ability, racking up eight sacks to go along with 12 tackles, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery.
The Lions struggled to get to the quarterback without Houston this season, finishing in the bottom third of the NFL with just 41 sacks on the year.
Of course, just because Houston has been activated does not necessarily mean he will play against the Buccaneers, but the fact that he could be available is big news for Detroit’s defense.
The Lions defeated the Los Angeles Rams in the Wild Card Round of the playoffs last weekend.