Detroit Lions LB James Houston inactive NFL playoff game Tampa Bay Buccaneers Yahoo Sports

James Houston is ready to help the Detroit Lions, but the Lions don't think Houston is quite ready to help them yet.

James Houston, a second-year pass rusher for the Detroit Lions, has been activated from injured reserve but is not yet deemed ready to play in the divisional playoff game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Despite his impressive performance last season with eight sacks in seven games, Houston has not played since a Week 2 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. Lions coach Dan Campbell expressed uncertainty about Houston's readiness to play, stating that they still need to gauge if he will be prepared to contribute effectively. Campbell noted that Houston has shown improvement and is better this week than last week, but the team must determine if he can deliver the necessary production compared to other players on the team.

In Houston's absence, Romeo Okwara will serve as the Lions' No. 3 edge rusher behind Aidan Hutchinson and Josh Paschal. Hutchinson has been a standout player with seven sacks in the past three games, while Okwara has recorded two sacks since the start of December. The Lions will also be without defensive end Charles Harris, return man Kalif Raymond, safety Tracy Walker, cornerback Steven Gilmore, defensive tackle Brodric Martin, and emergency third quarterback Hendon Hooker, who will not be playing in the game. The Buccaneers have John Wolford, Jared Goff's former backup with the Los Angeles Rams, as their third quarterback for the matchup.

For more information, contact Dave Birkett at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter @davebirkett.

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