The NFC North leader Detroit Lions are on a nine-game winning streak in their annual Thanksgiving Day game. The Lions will face Caleb Williams and the Chicago Bears on Thanksgiving this year and Detroit’s defense will look to go after the rookie quarterback, who has already been sacked an NFL-leading 44 times this season.
The Lions will try to add to this inauspicious total without the services of James Houston as Detroit released the third-year pass rusher on Tuesday, according to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN on X.
“It’s never really elaborated. … Wish him luck and sometimes you just need a fresh start,” head coach Dan Campbell said of Houston, per Colton Pouncy of The Athletic.
The Lions selected Houston in the sixth round of the 2022 draft. He put together a strong rookie campaign for the team, accumulating eight sacks in just seven games. The young defender was hoping to double his sack total in 2023 but suffered a leg injury early in the season, limiting him to just two games.
Heading into 2024, Houston aimed to get back on track for the Lions. However, after eight games, the 26-year-old linebacker has just one sack and eight total tackles.
Lions waive pass rusher James Houston
Houston’s most notable contribution to the season was the viral shit pants story that made the rounds following the Lions’ Week 10 game against the Houston Texans. James Houston appeared to have soiled his pants during the game. But it turns out he was just sitting around at Gatorade…or so he says.
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This isn’t the first time Houston has been cut by the Lions as he was waived shortly after being drafted and then signed to the practice squad before being elevated to the active roster over the course of his rookie season. As the Lions move on from Houston, the talented young player will almost certainly get another opportunity elsewhere.
The Lions are one of the most complete teams in football. They have already reached 10 wins, setting a franchise record with 10 consecutive seasons. Detroit has dominated on the road this year. The team’s only loss came at home in Week 2, leading Campbell to refer to the team as road warriors.
The Lions will face the Bears in the opening game on Thanksgiving. Detroit has been participating in the holiday since 1934 and has an overall record of 37-45-2. Chicago is in the middle of a five-game losing streak. However, the Bears played well against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 12, leading head coach Matt Eberflus to praise the team despite yet another loss.
