A tumultuous but promising first two years of James Houston's career had everyone wondering what his third year would bring. The Lions pass rush was a major concern heading into last season, so many eyes were on Houston to see if he could bring the heat.
ROOKIE YEAR
After being drafted in the 6th-round in 2022 draft, his rookie year saw him inactive for the first half of the season. Then out of nowhere, he burst onto the scene with eight sacks over the final seven games.
Here is an example of his eye-popping, pass-rushing skills.....
SECOND YEAR
His second year was derailed in the second game of the season by what appeared on video to be a severe right high ankle sprain with fibula fracture. The injury required surgery which is suspected to be plate and screws along with a tightrope procedure.
September 17, 2023 injury video:
For the rest of the season, there was speculation and hope of when he might return. He ended up missing almost the entire rest of the season (~4 months), but was able to return for the final playoff game vs the 49ers.
THIRD YEAR
Entering his third year, there were questions whether Houston would be able to recover from his injury and flash the pass-rushing skills shown during his rookie year. Unfortunately, there were already health hurdles before the season even started. During preseason, he was reported to have a knee bone bruise and was wearing a right knee brace. This knee issue was on the same side as his ankle injury.
The regular season outcome was not good. He received minimal playing time on defense and finished with just one sack. Here is the video of his only sack of the year where he showed good straight-line burst....
After Week 12, he was released by the Lions and picked up by the Browns, where he played three more games without recording a sack or a tackle.
With the Lions desperate for pass-rushing help after the loss of Aidan Hutchinson in Week 6, it was a disappointment that Houston was not able to at least partially fill the void.
OUTLOOK
While it's possible his lack of playing time in 2024 was due mostly to the coach's decision, the severe ankle injury may have impacted his ability to bend the corner on his pass rush. This is a good example of how injuries can leave residual effects, and there is no guarantee of a full recovery. Going forward, it will be interesting to see if Houston can ever reach the heights of his rookie year.
Houston was a restricted free agent after the season, and the Browns declined to tender an offer. This made him an unrestricted free agent this offseason, and as of June, he remains unsigned.
