Lions Expect James Houston IV To Return From Injured Reserve

Former Jackson State star defensive player is expected to return from the NFL injured reserve list.

Kyle T. Mosley | Nov 1, 2023

James Houston IV had a tremendous rookie campaign with the Detroit Lions after leading Jackson State's defense as the 2021 SWAC Defensive Player of the Year. During a Week 2 game in Seattle, the 2021 HBCU All-Star broke his ankle while on a special teams play. Jeremy Reisman of the Pride of Detroit wrote that head coach Dan Campbell expects the edge rusher could return by December to the team's active roster.

"Yeah, I think so," Campbell said. "We'll see. That's another one. Some of these guys that we've got on IR, it's just part of the rehab process. What he had was pretty clean, so the rehab to it the healing should be pretty clean. But, there again, if it happens, we're talking about December. So we'll see."

James Houston IV with the Detroit Lions — James Houston IV; Credit:© Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK

Last season, James Houston IV set NFL records after recording eight sacks in seven games, nearly equaling first-round pick Aidan Hutchinson's 8.5 sacks to lead the team. The former Jackson State defender had surgery to repair his ankle. The NFL Network's Ian Rapoport projected his return was to be "at least 6-8 week" healing process. Reisman believes Houston could return to the lineup "as soon as the bye week.

James Houston IV Sets Record With 4-Game Sack Streak

James Houston IV is a rising young NFL star. Hopefully, he'll return to form terrorizing NFL quarterbacks in the process. Detroit drafted Houston out of Jackson State University as the 217th overall pick in the sixth round of the 2022 NFL Draft. He recorded 12 tackles, 8 sacks, one forced fumble, and a fumble recovery in his NFL career.

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Published Nov 1, 2023

KYLE T. MOSLEY

I am Kyle T. Mosley, the Founder, Managing Editor, and Chief Reporter for the HBCU Legends, Saints News Network, and Pelicans Scoop on FanNation a Sports Illustrated team channel since October 2019. Morehouse Alum, McDonogh #35 Roneagles (NOLA), Drum Major of the Tenacious Four. My Father, Mother, Grandmother, Aunts and Uncles were HBCU graduates! Host of "Blow the Whistle" HBCU Legends, "The Quad" with Coach Steward, and "Bayou Blitz" Podcasts. Radio/Media Appearances: WWL AM/FM Radio in New Orleans (Mike Detillier/Bobby Hebert), KCOH AM 1230 in Houston (Ralph Cooper), WBOK AM in New Orleans (Reggie Flood/Ro Brown), and 103.7FM "The Game" (Jordy Hultberg/Clint Domingue), College Kickoff Unlimited (Emory Hunt), Jeff Lightsly Show, and Offscript TV on YouTube. Television Appearance: Fox26 in Houston on The Isiah Carey Factor, College Kickoff Unlimited (Emory Hunt). My Notable Interviews: Byron Allen (Media Mogul), Deion Sanders (Jackson State University, Head Coach), Tomekia Reed (Jackson State Lady Tigers Basketball Coach), Taylor Rooks (NBA Reporter), Swin Cash (VP of Basketball - New Orlean Pelicans), Demario and Tamala Davis (NFL Player), Jerry Rice (Hall of Famer), Doug Williams (HBCU & NFL Legend), Emmitt Smith (Hall of Famer), James "Shack" Harris (HBCU & NFL Legend), Cris Carter (Hall of Famer), Solomon Wilcots (SiriusXM NFL Host), Steve Wyche (NFL Network), Jim Trotter (NFL Network), Travis Williams (Founder of HBCU All-Stars, LLC), Malcolm Jenkins (NFL Player), Cam Jordan (NFL), Demario Davis (NFL), Allan Houston (NBA All-Star), Drew Brees (Former NFL QB), Deuce McAllister (Former NFL RB), Willie Roaf (NFL Hall of Fame), Jim Everett (Former NFL Player), Quinn Early (Former NFL Player), Dr. Reef (NFL Players' Trainer Specialist), Nataria Holloway (VP of the NFL). I am building a new team of journalists, podcasters, videographers, and interns. For media requests, interviews, or interest in joining HBCU Legends, please contact me at kmosley@hbcusi.com. Follow me: