Dan Campbell took to the podium on Tuesday afternoon to discuss the latest news and provide updates ahead of the Detroit Lions’ Thanksgiving game against the Chicago Bears.
The headline news from Allen Park today was the waiving of edge rusher James Houston. Houston exploded onto the NFL scene in 2022, racking up eight sacks in the second half of the season.
Injury ruined Houston’s 2023 season, and the former Jackson State player has not looked the same. The Lions tried developing Houston into a more versatile player but to no avail. A liability in run defense, and unable to drop into coverage, Houston’s limited skill set did not mesh with Aaron Glenn’s defense.
Houston started the season mainly on the bench as the Lions left him a healthy scratch on game days. Following several injuries to the defensive end room, Houston got a chance to re-establish his career. Sadly, he struggled mightily outside of the game at Houston. With Josh Paschal’s return, alongside Z’Darius Smith’s arrival, Houston had nowhere to go.
Coach Campbell was circumspect on Houston’s release:
“It just never quite worked out. I wish him the best of luck, and sometimes you just need a fresh start.”
Campbell Keen To Break Thanksgiving Streak Amid Injury Issues
In isolation, the biggest regular-season game the Lions can play is the Thanksgiving game. Frustratingly, the Lions have not triumphed on Thanksgiving in the last seven years. Campbell is aware of the losing streak, which has continued under his watch and is desperate for a win.
“It’s long overdue. Ask my wife, she’ll tell you. That’s what she’s praying for a win because I’m a bear when we don’t win. So, we all want it.”
The Lions must balance several injury issues going into Thursday afternoon. Campbell hinted that the short turnaround may come too early for Carlton Davis, Kalif Raymond and Taylor Decker. Campbell also confirmed that the Lions are considering seeking a specialist opinion on Raymond’s foot injury.
More positive news is that the Lions expect David Montgomery and Amon Ra-St. Brown to suit up and play. On Montgomery, Campbell joked that keeping the former Chicago Bear out would have been impossible:
“Could I have kept David out if I wanted to? Oh, heck no.”