On Monday afternoon, the Detroit Lions announced that they are signing promising rookie edge/LB James Houston to the active roster and placing edge rusher Charles Harris on injured reserve.
Houston was drafted in the sixth round after his senior season at Jackson State saw him register 70 tackles, 24.5 tackles for loss, 16.5 sacks, 75 pressures (per PFF), seven forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries (one returned for a touchdown), and one interception, also returned for a touchdown.
Early in training camp, the Lions tried to test the limits of Houston’s range, getting him exposure in a pass rushing linebacker role, as well as using him in a stack role—something he had done during his time at the University of Florida, and expressed interest in resuming.