James Houston, C.J Gardner-Johnson Placed on IR

Two key defenders will miss significant time.

Detroit Lions linebacker James Houston and safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson have been placed on injured reserve, the team announced Tuesday.

In corresponding moves, running back Zonovan Knight and offensive lineman Kayode Awosika have been signed to the active roster from the practice squad.

Both Houston and Gardner-Johnson suffered injuries in the team's 37-31 overtime loss to the Seattle Seahawks Sunday. Houston is dealing with a fractured ankle, while Gardner-Johnson reportedly suffered a torn pectoral muscle. 

The timetable for Houston's return is set to be six-to-eight weeks. This would allow for a return between the Lions' Week 9 matchup with Las Vegas and their Week 10 game at the Los Angeles Chargers.

The linebacker spent the beginning of last season on the practice squad, before bursting onto the scene in the final seven games of the season. In that time, he recorded eight sacks. 

Gardner-Johnson, meanwhile, will be out much longer, and may miss the remainder of the season. He appeared to be injured on the game's first drive, but still managed to play a total of 70 of a possible 72 defensive snaps in the loss. 

Coming into the season, Houston made the transformation from EDGE rusher to SAM linebacker. The move was designed to get him more snaps, while still using his pass-rush skills to make an impact.

Meanwhile, Gardner-Johnson brought a level of swagger that was expected to elevate the defense. His impact was clear throughout training camp, as Aaron Glenn's defense played with a revived amount of confidence and intensity. 

Awosika made his season debut after being called up from the practice squad for Sunday's game. He will be called upon to provide depth, as Halapoulivaati Vaitai suffered a knee injury against Seattle. 

Knight, meanwhile, will make his Lions debut when they take on the Falcons Sunday. He, too, will be a depth piece, as David Montgomery recovers from a thigh bruise.