Lions’ James Houston is eager to compete despite Dan Campbell’s warning

15 weeks. James Houston hasn’t played in an NFL game in 15 weeks (or is it counting?).

He has undergone 15 weeks of rehabilitation, 15 weeks of football studies, and 15 weeks of eagerness to be back on the field with his brothers and contribute to the Detroit Lions’ winning ways.

The second-year edge rusher has been out with a fractured ankle since the Week 2 loss to the Seattle Seahawks and has been placed on injured reserve. During that time, Houston has worked hard to get back into the Lions’ lineup.

Houston has spent the last six weeks working around the clock to be game-ready when his number is called. Houston stated that his body “feels good” as the Lions prepare for their wild card game against the Los Angeles Rams, and that with a bit of notice, he can be ready to contribute as soon as possible.

“I really just feel like I’m coming back out from the off season and coming into camp,” Houston was quoted as saying by MLive. “My body is in good shape and ready to go.” Everything is ready to go.”

Aside from being a competitor, one would have to believe that Houston’s desire to return intensified enormously after witnessing two teammates return to action for the Lions’ 12th win.

Both defensive tackle Alim McNeill and safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson (Ceedy Duce) returned to the active roster on Sunday for the Lions’ regular-season finale against the Minnesota Vikings, having recovered from injuries. While Houston sat out that game, there was a ray of hope that he would play this Sunday against the Rams, given his stated optimism.

Lions head coach Dan Campbell, on the other hand, is less enthusiastic.

“Yeah, well, look, Houston will be out there practicing, and we’ll see,” Campbell explained on Monday. “He’ll be better than last week.” How much does that cost? How effective will that be? I’m not sure. So I don’t feel – I’m not as hopeful about him.”

While Houston recognizes that his return is out of his hands and in the hands of the coaching staff and administration, he refuses to allow that stop him from practicing as if the Lions are playing the next day. Despite Campbell’s pessimism, this dedication remains unwavering. However, as a human being driven by a desire to win, Houston finds it difficult to be just a teammate on the sidelines.

“When you see everyone else winning, you want to be a part of it, man.” “Do you understand what I’m saying?” said Houston. “Everyone wants to be a part of something great, something winning, so yeah, I’m ready to go.” I was always prepared. I was trying to keep my attention focused on it.

“I knew they were going to need me in the second half of the season, and that’s when things either break down or improve.” So I just wanted to be that piece that helped it keep growing.”

Along with his recuperation and analyzing opponents’ game footage, Houston spent a lot of his free time with his family and people who mean the most to him. He considers himself to be a rather reserved guy, so simply being around them, particularly his grandparents, whom he considers to be his “rock,” was crucial.

When asked if he spoke to anyone during the process of his homecoming, he described having continuous conversations with God, underlining how important his faith is to him.

“That’s who I talk to: God and my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,” Houston went on to say. “As a result, I talk to them all the time.” They will point me in the proper way and allow me to choose the best course for me. ‘Everything is for me,’ he said, so I’m just waiting for my blessings.”

The jury is still out on when, if ever, Houston will play in the postseason. If the Lions fail to overcome the Rams on Sunday, Houston will not play again until next season. He enjoys the playoff environment, whether he’s on the field versus the Rams or on the sidelines rooting for his teammates.

“It’s gonna be crazy out there because even when we were 4-8 or whatever it was, they were out there screaming their lungs out,” Houston went on to say. “I’ve been to a lot of loud stadiums, and Detroit brings the noise.” So I’m excited to see what they have planned for their first home playoff game. I know the tickets are a tad pricy, but they should absolutely fill that place and cheer us on. “This could be our only run.”