James Houston Aiming to Return Ahead of Playoffs

Houston hopes to help defense in final stretch.

The Detroit Lions have gotten mixed results from their pass-rush throughout the 2023 season. 

In all but two games, the unit has been without James Houston, who was one of the best producers in the group a year ago. Optimism was high for Houston entering this season, but an injury has forced him to the sidelines for most of the campaign. 

However, a return may be on the horizon for the Jackson State product. On Wednesday, he told reporters that he anticipates coming back prior to the start of the NFL playoffs. 

He stated that he is in "the last quarter" of his rehabilitation. The emphasis is on making sure that his health checks out before returning to the field. 

Houston wants to contribute and help his teammates when it matters most. His health, fortunately for him, is lining up with an opportunity to return prior to the postseason. 

Being able to play before games become win-or-go-home is vital for his recuperation to the rigor of playing in an NFL game. 

"It's extremely important just so I can get my feet under me, get a couple games before," Houston said. "The elevation of the play is even more, it's even harder in the playoffs. I know a lot of guys here probably haven't been in too many games, but the guys that have been, they've been telling me playoff games are a whole different animal. So, you've got to be able to elevate your game." 

The second-year defender has spent much of the season rehabbing, but not playing has allowed him to remain fresh for the upcoming important stretch. When he returns, the Lions will get a healthy version of him that is akin to how he felt at the beginning of the season. 

"That's really the trade off. Everybody else has been going through it, and kind of got nicks and bumps or it hurts for them to get up in the morning," Houston explained. "For me, I'm good. I'm very fresh. I feel like I'm preparing for the season right now. So, hopefully by the time I'm ready to go, I'm in full-fledge shape ready for another camp." 

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Making an impact upon returning

Sidelined since Week 2, Houston has felt a range of emotions during his extended absence. As his comeback grows closer, he's experienced a range of feelings regarding what it will be like when he first gets back onto the field.

"It's like an anxiety building up. It's just the build-up," Houston stated. "I don't want to say, it's a mixture of a lot of things, nervousness, anticipation, just a lot of things mixed up. You're ready to go, you want to get back on that field and kind of feel normal and comfortable again." 

The Lions have been without numerous key players at different points this season. Another who has been out since Week 2 is safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson, who suffered a torn pec. 

Gardner-Johnson has been open about his anticipation of a return. The veteran safety brings both proven talent and swagger to the secondary, which would be a boost for the defense. 

Houston said both he and Gardner-Johnson have plans to bring a jolt of energy to the unit when both are able to contribute again. 

"I feel like (we) are two high-level players. We can really change the outcome of our season, the outcome of the defense, everything," Houston said. "These are two players that can really help the defense. I'm excited, I know he's excited. Yeah, I feel like we can really do a lot. I feel like A.G.'s probably looking for us to come back, and it should be a really exciting time." 

Pro Bowl update

The Lions have no players leading in Pro Bowl voting at their respective positions, but many have been popular picks regardless. Here is where several Lions stand amongst their peers in voting counts revealed Wednesday: 

• C Frank Ragnow -- Fourth 
• WR Amon-Ra St. Brown -- Fourth
• TE Sam LaPorta -- Fourth
• OT Penei Sewell -- Fourth
• DE Aidan Hutchinson -- Seventh
• QB Jared Goff -- Ninth
• LS Jake McQuaide -- 10th