Dan Campbell explains why James Houston was a healthy scratch in Week 1

James Houston was a healthy scratch for the Detroit Lions in Week 1. The third-year pass rusher was held out of the Lions’ win over the Rams, a Los Angeles team that was quite vulnerable at offensive tackle.

Lions head coach Dan Campbell was asked about what Houston needs to do to be active on game days.

“Well, so much of it is–it could be him or it’s the defensive back. So, what’s going to bring more to you and what plays into that is, and special teams is a big one,” Campbell said.

Houston was injured on special teams in 2023 and did not participate much in training camp on punt and kick units. Campbell then brought up the impact of injuries around the roster.

“What about injury in other areas? So, maybe you need the insurance. Some of it is, what kind of production is that going to bring or how many snaps is he going to get? So, I can’t answer that clearly, but he’s another guy – I mean he’s here, he’s working, we’d love to get him up if the possibility presents itself or the opportunity presents itself, and so we’ll just take it as it comes.”

With starters Aidan Hutchinson and Marcus Davenport both healthy– and dominant vs. the Rams –and reserves Josh Paschal and Levi Onwuzurike also at full speed, the Lions didn’t feel the need to have a fifth EDGE active. Linebacker Derrick Barnes, playing the SAM role that Houston couldn’t handle , also frequently positioned as a stand-up pass rusher.

This week, Davenport is dealing with a groin injury that kept him out of Wednesday’s practice. That could be the opening for Houston to make his 2024 debut.