Player Card

Fantasy Player Profile James Houston

  • James Houston
  • DL #53
  • James
    Houston
  • AActive
  • Manager: FA
  •  
@DET: #15 vs opposing DL - 14.46 FPA

News

  • Cleared to face Carolina

    Houston (knee) doesn't carry an injury designation into Sunday's game against the Panthers, Clarence Hill Jr. of AllDLLS.com reports.

    Analysis: After being limited in practice Wednesday and Thursday, Houston was able to practice fully Friday. He's appeared in all five games this season and has logged 11 tackles (seven solo), including a team-high 3.5 sacks, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery.

    Published: Fri, Oct 10 at 6:41pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Remains limited Thursday

    Houston (knee) was a limited participant at practice Thursday, Adam Caplan of SiriusXM NFL Radio reports.

    Analysis: Houston has now opened the week with back-to-back limited practices due to a knee injury, which he may have suffered in the team's Week 5 win over the Jets. The defensive lineman will have one more chance to log a full practice before Sunday's contest against Carolina.

    Published: Thu, Oct 9 at 4:57pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Dealing with knee injury

    Houston was limited in Wednesday's practice due to a knee injury, Jon Machota of The Athletic reports.

    Analysis: Houston played 27 defensive snaps during the Cowboys' Week 5 win over the Jets but still managed to produce with three tackles (two solo), including 1.5 sacks. He had his practice reps limited during Wednesday's session, but he has two more opportunities to increase his participation and avoid an injury designation heading into Sunday's road bout against the Panthers.

    Published: Wed, Oct 8 at 4:43pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Adds to sack total Sunday

    Houston recorded three tackles (two solo) including 1.5 sacks during Sunday's 37-22 win against the Jets.

    Analysis: Despite being boxed out for snaps (22) on the edge by rookie second-rounder Donovan Ezeiruaku (42) and Sam Williams (33), Houston picked up a sack for the third time in his last four games in Week 5, bringing his season total to 3.5. He'll be looking to add to that count in Week 6 at Carolina.

    Published: Tue, Oct 7 at 5:27pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Leads pass rush in Week 5 win

    Houston recorded three tackles, including 1.5 sacks, in Sunday's win over the Jets.

    Analysis: The Cowboys' pass rush brought down Justin Fields five times and produced 14 QB hits in total, and it was Houston who paced the team in sacks. The 26-year-old edge rusher has 3.5 sacks on the season, and he appears to be back in the form that allowed him to rack up 8.0 sacks in only seven contests as a rookie with the Lions in 2022, before injuries ruined his next two campaigns.

    Published: Mon, Oct 6 at 6:08am by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Secures first sack of 2025

    Houston recorded two tackles, including 1.0 sacks, in Sunday's 40-37 overtime win over the Giants.

    Analysis: The veteran edge rusher saw limited snaps once again in a rotational role for the Cowboys, but Houston made his opportunities count in this one. Dallas is struggling to find a consistent pass rush in the wake of the Micah Parsons trade -- the team signed Jadeveon Clowney to a one-year deal immediately after Sunday's win -- and Houston could earn more playing time if he continues to make an impact. Injuries have limited him throughout his career, but he did pile up 8.0 sacks in just seven…read more

    Published: Mon, Sep 15 at 7:52am by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Headed to Cleveland

    The Browns claimed Houston off waivers Wednesday.

    Analysis: Houston was waived by Detroit on Tuesday, but he has quickly found a new home in Cleveland. The 2022 sixth-round pick had a promising rookie season with the Lions, during which he logged 8.0 sacks in just seven regular-season games. However, Houston played just two regular-season games in 2023 due to a fractured ankle suffered in Week 2, and he has managed to accrue only 1.0 sacks across his last 10 outings, eight of which have come in 2024. Houston will get a new opportunity with the Browns,…read more

    Published: Wed, Nov 27 at 2:18pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Waived by Detroit

    The Lions waived Houston on Tuesday.

    Analysis: A sixth-round pick in 2022, Houston had a huge rookie season, recording 8.0 sacks across seven games. But getting to the quarterback proved to be a challenge in 2023 and 2024, as Houston has just 1.0 sacks across 10 appearances since the start of last season. He'll look for a fresh start elsewhere and could even garner some interest on waivers.

    Published: Tue, Nov 26 at 11:59am by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Records sack in preseason finale

    Houston (knee) recorded three total tackles (one solo), including a sack, in Saturday's 24-17 win over the Steelers.

    Analysis: Houston had been nursing a knee injury that he suffered in the team's preseason opener against the Giants, but he made the most of his opportunity in his return against Pittsburgh. The linebacker notched a sack on quarterback Kyle Allen in the second quarter while playing 22 defensive snaps with Detroit in the contest. Although Houston has proven himself when healthy, head coach Dan Campbell said following the game that he and general manager Brad Holmes will have a tough decision to make on…read more

    Published: Sun, Aug 25 at 10:50am by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Dealing with bone bruise in knee

    Houston suffered a bone bruise in his knee during Thursday night's preseason loss to the Giants, Kyle Meinke of MLive.com reports.

    Analysis: Coming off a mostly lost 2023 season that saw him appear in just two regular-season games due to a broken ankle, Houston was itching to hit someone Thursday and landed a big lick on Drew Lock in the first half. Houston was later injured, but the timetable for his return is unclear. Houston recorded eight sacks in seven games as a 2022 rookie, and the Lions are banking on him providing some pass-rush juice alongside Aidan Hutchinson this season.

    Published: Thu, Aug 8 at 8:11pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Signs as ERFA

    The Lions re-signed Houston as an exclusive rights free agent Monday.

    Analysis: Houston is coming off a mostly lost 2023 campaign, as a fractured ankle suffered Week 2 kept him sidelined until Detroit's loss to the 49ers in the NFC Championship Game. He impressed as a rookie back in 2022, racking up 8.0 sacks despite suiting up for just seven games, so it makes sense for the Lions to retain Houston and work to continue his development.

    Published: Mon, Apr 15 at 10:12am by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Season ruined by injury

    Houston recorded one tackle in two games during the 2023 regular season.

    Analysis: Houston was expected to handle a large workload as a pass rusher after racking up 8.0 sacks as a rookie in 2022. However, he suffered a fractured ankle in Week 2 and didn't see the field again until the Lions' season-ending loss to the 49ers in the NFC Championship Game. Now set to become an exclusive-rights free agent at the end of the league year, Houston is a strong candidate to return to Detroit in 2024.

    Published: Tue, Feb 27 at 12:04pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Full go in Wednesday's walkthrough

    Houston (ankle) was a full participant in Wednesday's walkthrough practice.

    Analysis: Houston was activated off injured reserve last week, but he was inactive for the Lions' 31-23 win over the Buccaneers in the divisional round. Since he's opening the current week as a full participant, the outside linebacker may have a better chance at being available for the Lions in Sunday's NFC Championship Game against the 49ers.

    Published: Wed, Jan 24 at 3:28pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Will stay sidelined

    Houston (ankle) is inactive Sunday against the Buccaneers.

    Analysis: Houston was activated off injured reserve Thursday, and although he's jumped back into practice, he'll continue to remain sidelined as he works his way back from a fractured ankle. The second-year pro will need a Lions victory Sunday to get another opportunity to suit up again this season.

    Published: Sun, Jan 21 at 10:43am by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Activated off IR

    The Lions activated Houston (ankle) off injured reserve Thursday.

    Analysis: Houston has been out since suffering an ankle injury during Detroit's Week 2 loss to the Seahawks but is now set to return for the team's divisional-round matchup versus Tampa Bay. The 25-year-old should contribute on special teams and also provide solid depth behind Derrick Barnes.

    Published: Thu, Jan 18 at 10:55am by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Won't be activated ahead of Week 18

    Houston (ankle) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Vikings.

    Analysis: Houston was designated to return from injured reserve Dec. 28, but he'll miss his second straight game since then. The linebacker was able to log a trio of limited practice sessions during Week 18 prep, so it seems that he's making progress toward a return. The second-year linebacker may be able to play in Detroit's wild-card matchup next weekend.

    Published: Fri, Jan 5 at 6:42pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Won't return to action Saturday

    Houston (ankle) has been ruled out for Saturday's game versus the Cowboys, Tim Twentyman of the Lions' official site reports.

    Analysis: The Lions designated Houston to return from IR on Thursday, and he was able to log a limited session in his return to practice. Given that it was his first practice since he fractured his ankle Week 2 versus Seattle, it's not surprising that Houston isn't yet ready for game action. He'll look to make his return in Detroit's regular-season finale Sunday, Jan. 7 versus Minnesota.

    Published: Thu, Dec 28 at 5:45pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Practice window opens

    Houston (ankle) was designated to return from injured reserve Thursday, Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press reports.

    Analysis: The 25-year-old linebacker has missed the Lions' last 13 games with this ankle issue, but it now seems as if he could be nearing a return. Houston tallied 12 total tackles, including 8.0 sacks, in just seven appearances in 2022, and he'd likely serve as a rotational outside linebacker if he's able to return to the field this season.

    Published: Thu, Dec 28 at 11:16am by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Still couple of weeks away

    Houston (ankle) is looking at a late December or early January return, according to head coach Dan Campbell, Colton Pouncy of The Athletic reports.

    Analysis: Houston has been out of action since fracturing his ankle Week 2 against the Seahawks. The Jackson State product was expected to miss 6-to-8 weeks at minimum and has already missed 12, with at least a couple more seemingly on the horizon. The second-year pro will remain on IR for now, but his potential return late in the season would be a significant boost to the Lions' pass rush after Houston was able to record eight sacks in seven games during his rookie 2022 campaign.

    Published: Mon, Dec 11 at 12:00pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Goes to IR

    Detroit placed Houston (ankle) on its injured reserve list Tuesday.

    Analysis: Houston is expected to miss at least six weeks as he recovers from a fractured ankle he sustained in Sunday's 37-31 loss versus Seattle. In his absence, Romeo Okwara is likely to see increased work on the edge.

    Published: Tue, Sep 19 at 2:45pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Multi-week absence ahead

    Houston suffered a fractured ankle in Sunday's 37-31 loss to Seahawks on Sunday, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

    Analysis: Houston is expected to miss 6-to-8 weeks minimum, with further testing taking place Monday to determine the best route for his recovery. The second-year pro recorded eight sacks in just seven games during his rookie season, so his absence in the weeks ahead is rough news for a Lions defense that has recorded just one sack in two games this season.

    Published: Mon, Sep 18 at 9:15am by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Exits with injury

    Houston (ankle) will not return Sunday against the Seahawks.

    Analysis: Houston's exit will weaken the depth of Detroit's defensive front for the remainder of its contest against Seattle. He had one tackle before leaving with the injury.

    Published: Sun, Sep 17 at 12:21pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Notches eight sacks in seven games

    Houston recorded 12 tackles, including eight sacks, and forced one fumble over seven games in 2022.

    Analysis: After spending the first nine games of the season on the practice squad, the sixth-round rookie out of Jackson State burst onto the scene by recording five sacks in his first four games. Thanks to a monster three-sack effort in week 17 against Chicago, Houston ultimately finished second among all rookies in sacks (behind teammate Aidan Hutchinson) by season's end despite playing just seven games. Entering his first offseason and with more QB takedowns than games played, Houston figures to be in…read more

    Published: Sun, Jan 22 at 4:52pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Signed from practice squad

    The Lions signed Houston to the active roster Monday.

    Analysis: Houston joined up with the Lions' practice squad after being waived as part of the team's final roster cuts in late August. The rookie sixth-round pick was then elevated ahead of Thursday's loss to the Bills, and he recorded two sacks while playing four of his 14 snaps on defense in his NFL debut. Houston should now help provide depth at defensive end after Charles Harris (groin) was also placed on injured reserve Monday.

    Published: Mon, Nov 28 at 2:23pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
More news and analysis available at NFL.com
2025 Fantasy Stats
  TacklesTurnoverFantasy
WkOppTotSckIntFrc FumFum RecPts
1@PHI,
L 20-24
2----2.00
2NYG,
W 40-37
11---3.50
3@CHI,
L 14-31
1----1.50
4GB,
Tie, 40-40
11-117.50
5@NYJ,
W 37-22
21.5---5.50
6@CAR,
L 27-30
2----3.50
7WAS,
W 44-22
1----1.50
8@DEN,
L 24-44
-----0.00
9ARI,
L 17-27
1----1.50
10Bye-----0.00
11@LV,
W 33-16
11---3.50
12PHI,
W 24-21
-----0.00
13KC,
W 31-28
-----1.00
14@DET,
L 30-44
21---4.00
15MIN,
Sun 5:20 pmGet Tickets
-----0.00
16LAC,
Sun 10:00 amGet Tickets
-----0.00
17@WAS,
Thu 10:00 amGet Tickets
-----0.00
18@NYG,
TBDGet Tickets
-----0.00
NFL Fantasy

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James Houston
DL #53 DAL | Manager: FA
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