James Houston is 'very close' to return for the Lions

The biggest question that comes from Detroit Lions fans every week is when is James Houston going to take the field? Houston return to practice on December 28th, but he's not yet hit the field for a game yet. 

The big concern for the Lions is making sure that Houston is physically able to get back on the field after returning from a fracture ankle injury that he suffered in Week 2. So far, the Lions haven't felt that he was ready to do that. 

While the Lions have returned other players from the IR, none of those other players have dealt with a broken bone. That's why it's taking Houston longer than most. The Lions want to make sure they get this right. It seems like things are getting better though. Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn spoke about Houston on Thursday and had some encouraging words. 

"He's very close. The thing that we want to do, we want to protect that player from himself. I do not take injuries lightly. Especially make sure we we listen to the medical department and make sure we bring that player along exactly how he needs to come along. So he's doing a really good job in practice. You can tell he's getting back to form to where he was. And hopefully we get a chance to put that player on the field so he can make some plays for us." \

Glenn also had some good thoughts on Houston broadening his abilities before he got hurt. One of the big things that Houston had so much success with was his ability to bend around tackles. Glenn says Houston has more to offer than that these days. 

The good thing about Houston, this whole offseason he's learned different moves other than just being able to bend around the corner. So I think we're all looking forward to seeing the different types of techniques he has as far as being a pass rusher." 

We'll see if Houston makes his return on Sunday. we should have a good idea on Friday when game designations come out and then on Sunday when we get inactives a couple hours ahead of game time.