Edge rusher James Houston has been formally resurrected from injured reserve by the Detroit Lions, who have also dismissed edge rusher Julian Okwara in tandem.

Houston was put on injured reserve to heal after suffering an ankle and lower leg injury in the beginning of September. When the Lions opened his 21-day evaluation window three weeks ago, he was well enough to start training.The Lions decided he was well enough to activate to the 53-man roster as that window was about to close.

For the most part of the season, Aidan Hutchinson has been the main source of Detroit’s productivity, with the Lions pass rush being severely restricted. From the inside, defensive lineman Alim McNeill has also made a contribution, but it has proven difficult to locate an edge rusher who can regularly apply pressure opposite Hutchinson.

The defense might receive a boost from the signing of Houston, who finished the 2022 season with eight sacks in seven games.

“I think I’m a really explosive player,” Houston stated in December, “I like to think of myself as a game-changer.” Thus, I believe I may be of assistance there, particularly with pass rushes, sacks, and forced fumbles. everything.

Although Houston might provide some more pressure on the Lions front, don’t count on him to contribute every play. It is highly probable that he will assume a role as a pass-rushing specialist, much to what Bruce Irvin did towards the end of the regular season.

The reason for Okwara’s release, who was also considered for this post, is probably that he was never able to establish a reliable routine. Waivers will apply to Okwara, and if he is claimed, he will join the team that made the claim after the Super Bowl. He can sign with any team, including the Lions, if he is unclaimed, and he might end up on the active roster or practice squad.