When naming potential options to fill an expected injury gap this week, Dan Campbell conveniently excluded James Houston.
Given his injury history, it’s not overly shocking, but the Detroit Lions may be without veteran edge rusher Marcus Davenport. He didn’t practice all week due to a groin injury and is likely to miss Sunday’s game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
During his media session before Friday’s practice, Lions head coach Dan Campbell gave injury updates and mentioned some players who might replace Davenport if he’s out (via SI.com).
“The good news is, we get (DJ) Reader back this week,” Campbell said. “I feel pretty good about that. Him returning really gives us more versatility on the D-line because between (Kyle) Peko, and (Alim McNeill) Mac, Levi and Paschal, they can all rotate from nose, three-technique, to big end.”
“So, they’ll all share the load if Davenport can’t – or won’t be able to play.”
The reporter who brought up the topic apparently mentioned James Houston by name, given he was a healthy scratch in Week 1 and with Davenport’s status uncertain.
Campbell didn’t mention Houston in his response.
In related comments to the Detroit Free Press this week, linebacker Derrick Barnes hinted he might get more snaps as an edge rusher on Sunday.
Dan Campbell all but confirms James Houston is a non-factor for the Lions
Before final roster cuts, Campbell hinted at a tough decision regarding Houston after he recorded a sack in the preseason finale. Houston didn’t solidify a spot on the 53-man roster, despite making it, leaving his position shaky from the start.
On Wednesday, Campbell was asked what Houston needed to do to suit up against the Buccaneers.
“A lot of it is, you know, it could be him or a defensive back. So what’s going to give you more? And special teams plays into that. What about injuries in other areas? Some of it is about what production that player will give…How many snaps will he get? So I can’t answer that clearly. But he’s here, he’s working. We’d love to get him up if the opportunity presents itself, and we’ll just see how it goes.”
Houston has been an outlier to Campbell’s usual “the more you can do” philosophy for players lower on the roster. The plan to make Houston more than just an edge rusher was abandoned during the preseason.
If Davenport misses Sunday’s game (he’s officially listed as doubtful), Houston’s one skill (rushing the passer) might make him an option to contribute.
The decision to keep Houston on the initial 53-man roster feels like a battle Campbell lost with general manager Brad Holmes, as Holmes held onto one of his draft picks. But Campbell and his staff decide who suits up on game day, and Houston is set for a second straight healthy scratch.
Campbell has now essentially confirmed Houston is irrelevant to the Lions until he proves otherwise. In the end, his time on the roster might be running out.
