NEWS UPDATE: A second key player is “very close” to returning to the Detroit Lions.

The Detroit Lions’ James Houston, a pass rusher, is reportedly “extremely close” to returning to the field and might have a chance to play this week against the 49ers.

The Detroit Lions’ James Houston, an edge rusher, broke his ankle during the team’s Week 2 game. He hasn’t practiced in almost a month. Since practicing for the first time on December 28 and being added to the 53-man roster last week, Houston has not participated in a game following his injury.

However, that might occur very soon.

The Lions’ defensive coordinator, Aaron Glenn, said of the team’s opponent in Thursday’s NFC Championship game against the San Francisco 49ers, “I think he’s very close.”

The Lions have been lagging behind Houston for a few reasons. First and foremost, they need to make sure he is fully recovered to his football-playing condition and that he offers a clear edge over their other personnel options. They are being cautious, though, regarding his injury as a player who relies heavily on bending must have a fundamentally sound ankle.

Glenn stated, “We want to protect that player from themself most of the time.” I don’t take injuries lightly, so pay attention. To make sure the athlete advances at the appropriate rate, we should pay close attention to the recommendations given by the medical personnel. As a result, he is doing quite well in practice. It is clear that he is reverting to his former state. Perhaps that player will be able to help us out with a few plays when we get to employ him on the field.

Making plays was just what Houston did during his final months as a member of the Lions. Despite mostly serving as a reserve for just seven games, Houston finished the 2022 season with 8.0 sacks, second on the team. And he made it back from a forced fumble.

This season, the Lions have struggled to find a pass-rushing threat to replace Aidan Hutchinson. Hutchinson finished the regular season with 11.5 sacks, more than any other edge defender.

But there are a few challenges with this week’s 49ers game. Among the best in the game is San Francisco’s left tackle Trent Williams. The 49ers’ quarterback, Brock Purdy, likewise throws the ball rather quickly, so the Lions’ current defensive back-blitzing plan may not work. This makes it harder for Purdy’s passing lanes to close quickly and for the front four to do so.

Glenn asserted that you actually don’t get to him very often because of the timing of the attack and his ability to move the ball out. The only thing I tell the d-line is, “Man, you’ve got to get your hands up,” because he is a smaller person. He also does a great job of precisely predicting where he will toss the ball.

As such, you have to win the four-man rush plan in general. They have to. Because sometimes, even with six shots, you might never get there and the ball would go away. All your players need to do is set up in man coverage; the ball will find a way out. As a result, we must genuinely alter things and accomplish them exceptionally well.

Houston would be a challenge to the 49ers and give the Lions fresh vigor. Even better for Detroit, Glenn believes that Houston’s style of play has progressed beyond the outside speed movements that defined it in the previous campaign.

“This entire offseason, he’s mastered new moves more than just being able to bend around the corner on folks,” Glenn said. As a result, I think everyone is excited to see the range of pass-rush techniques he uses.

This week, will he be able to employ some of his new moves? Houston has been listed on the injury report as a full practice participant for more than two weeks. And with a trip to the Super Bowl on the line, it could finally be time to see what Houston is made of.