A former Detroit Lions edge rusher has landed in trouble with the NFL after a controversial hit on quarterback Jared Goff during last week’s game.

Now with the Dallas Cowboys, pass rusher James Houston was penalized for a late hit on Goff, a play that significantly impacted the outcome of the game and ultimately led to league discipline.

NFL Fines James Houston for Jared Goff Hit

The NFL announced Saturday that Houston was fined $5,722 for unnecessary roughness following a fourth-quarter hit on Goff. The penalty occurred after a 29-yard completion to Jameson Williams, tacking on an additional 13 yards and placing the Lions at the 3-yard line.

Detroit capitalized immediately, with Jahmyr Gibbs scoring on the next play to give the Lions a 37–27 lead. The teams exchanged scores down the stretch, but Detroit held on for a critical victory.

Lions’ Playoff Hopes Get Major Boost

The win proved pivotal for the Lions’ playoff chances, pushing Detroit up to the No. 8 spot in the NFC. According to The Athletic’s playoff calculator, the victory increased the Lions’ postseason odds to 39%.

Detroit now faces an even bigger opportunity in Week 15. A win against former Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford and the Los Angeles Rams would reportedly raise their playoff odds to 60%, setting up a crucial showdown against the NFC’s top team.

James Houston’s Uneven Run With the Lions

Houston was once viewed as a major find for Detroit after being selected in the sixth round of the NFL Draft. He burst onto the scene as a rookie, recording 8.0 sacks in just seven games.

However, injuries and inconsistency derailed his momentum. Houston appeared in only two games in his second season and struggled to expand his game beyond pass rushing. Detroit eventually released him, and he later signed a two-year, $2.75 million deal with the Cowboys.

Detroit News reporter Nolan Bianchi previously noted that Houston’s limited development made him a one-dimensional player, even as the Lions dealt with edge-rusher injuries.

Lions head coach Dan Campbell later acknowledged the move, saying the fit simply never materialized.

Houston Finds New Life in Dallas

Since joining Dallas, Houston has shown flashes of his early potential. He has recorded 5.5 sacks and earned praise as a potential breakout player, despite not fully replacing injured star Micah Parsons.

Bleacher Report’s Brad Gagnon highlighted Houston’s resurgence in October, noting his recent sack production and increased impact along the Cowboys’ defensive front.